Driving on some Kumasi roads at night could be a nightmare and for pedestrians, even more dangerous.

The road stretch from the office of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), through the Rain Tree Street, to the Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) is perhaps a telltale of the city's abysmal deficit of streetlights.

Pitch darkness kisses the motorist right from the KMA, and dangerously romances the driver on the stretch to the RCC. Using this road from KMA to Ahodwo Roundabout is no different, and even worse plying the stretch from the Catering Rest House at Adum through to the Officers’ Mess at Danyame.

For pedestrians, these areas are a no-venture when night falls. The few brave ones navigate the road by the faint light of their phones or the occasional passing cars in the inky blackness.

This is the city centre – an enclave habouring most iconic residential and commercial facilities, including the Rattray Park, Lancaster Hotel, Golden Bean Hotel, Miklin Hotel, Ki-Vi Night Club, and several offices of financial houses and mobile telecom service providers.

Akua, a young nurse, was walking home from a late shift at a hospital close to the KMA. She has taken this route countless times before, but this night she fell prey to robbers who were lurking in the green spaces along the road. She was robbed of her phone, but luckily not hurt physically.

As she quickened her pace to leave the area, Akua’s heart raced with every snap of a rustle of leaves. She couldn't help but wonder why the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly had neglected to install streetlights on this busy road.

This exposes the critical challenge of poor street lighting in Kumasi. Indeed, no one deserves to feel scared and vulnerable just walking and driving at night.

Light up for road safety

Installing street lights on dark and dangerous roads, and hazardous environments remain a critical task for the city authority.

Dark roads expose motorists to the risk of accidents, and also create an opportunity for criminal activities to thrive.

In recent times, local assembly members have received street bulbs for installation in their communities, but it appears attention has been given to lighting up major roads in the Greater Kumasi Metropolis.

The lack of streetlights on Prempeh II road, for instance, is not only a safety concern but also reflects the broader challenges facing urban planning in Kumasi.

The city's rapid growth has put a strain on its infrastructure, leading to issues like traffic congestion and road safety.

Installing and maintaining functional streetlights and traffic lights would not only improve safety but also enhance the overall quality of life for those who use the roads daily.

As the city continues to grow and develop, it is essential that the authorities prioritize infrastructure development, including the provision of adequate lighting on its roads.

Dark streets provide a conducive environment for criminal activities, and poor visibility leads to increased risk of accidents, especially at night or during inclement weather.

When the streets are well lit, socio-economic activities thrive.