He is confined to crutches, yet that does not in any way limit his ability to keep traffic flowing during rush hours and the streets safe.

This is the story of 47-year-old Bernard Quaye, who, despite physical challenges, directs traffic amidst honking horns and bustling streets.

For the past 11 years, Bernard has found joy in directing traffic in parts of Accra when the lights fail to shine.

Bernard’s story began in 2013, the peak of erratic electricity supply, leaving many traffic lights powerless.

Speaking to Joy Prime’s Emmanuel Dzivenu, he expressed being undeterred by his own challenges and stepped up to fill the void.

“Whenever I see there’s a traffic jam, within a few minutes, I am able to assess the situation and manage it accurately to prevent any crashes,” he explained.

Bernard’s presence commands respect on the road, and no motorist dares to challenge his authority. Yet, despite facing ingratitude from some drivers, he sees his work as a contribution to nation-building, echoing the president's call to be a ‘citizen and not a spectator.'

“Even though I know it’s from God that I’m doing this, I’m not doing it to please anybody. I do it to please God and help my country. Like the president said, we should be citizens and not spectators,” he stated.

As Bernard continues to navigate the busy intersections, he is concerned about the dysfunctional traffic lights in many parts of Accra.

He passionately urged the government to repair these broken signals and expand the road networks to lessen congestion.

“They have to change the lighting system before things will function well. No matter whether the police – because if the police come and stand here, he is not a superman, he can only say stop.

"At the end of the day, what happens to the traffic? He will only do his part, and when his time is up, he will go,” Bernard emphasised.

Bernard, whose dreams were altered by an unfortunate incident at the age of eight, remains undeterred. Confined to crutches, he now appeals for personal protective equipment to remain safe on the road.

“I went to a store to buy the reflector and things that I’m using with the little money I have just to take care of the traffic situation. So anything anyone thinks it’s recommendable to support, it’s welcomed,” he pleaded.

Bernard, the guardian of order, proves that strength is not always measured by physical ability but by the resilience of the human spirit.