Editorial: Dualisation of Accra-Kumasi highway is a must!

According to a report we have carried on our front page today, the wife of the vice-president, Samira Bawumia, has been involved in a severe road accident resulting in one confirmed fatality. The second lady is reported to be fine, as she did not sustain any serious injury.

According to the source, the second lady was travelling to the Ashanti Region when a sprinter bus narrowly collided with her entourage, but unfortunately ran into two cars after hers. This resulted in the death of one person in Samira Bawumia’s convoy.

Meanwhile, a statement by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the accident happened at Ohene-Nkwanta, near Nobewam, off the Kumasi-Accra highway. Eight persons have suffered varying degrees of injuries and are receiving medical attention.

It is with a heavy heart that we address the pressing issue of the dangerous one-way Kumasi-Accra road that has claimed yet another life. The Chronicle extends its deepest condolences to the family of the deceased and urges the government to take immediate steps in transforming this perilous stretch into a dual carriageway.

This recent accident serves as a stark reminder of the perils posed by the one-way configuration of the Accra-Kumasi Highway. The collision with a sprinter bus, followed by subsequent crashes, involving other vehicles, highlights the inherent risks faced by commuters on this crucial route.

It is high time we confront the reality that the Accra-Kumasi Highway, one of the busiest and most significant arteries of our nation, demands an urgent transformation. The hazards posed by a one-way road are evident, and the tragic incidents are not isolated events. The government must acknowledge the imperative need for the dualisation of this critical highway.

The inherent risks of head-on collisions, increased traffic congestion and the resulting accidents underscore the need for a swift and decisive action. The safety of commuters, including high-profile individuals that ply the road, should not be compromised due to the absence of a dual road.

Beyond the immediate safety concerns, the dualization of the Accra-Kumasi Highway holds the potential to boost economic activities and enhance connectivity between major cities. The reduction of travel time, improved road safety and increased transportation efficiency are crucial elements that will contribute to the overall development of the regions connected by this vital highway.

The responsibility to safeguard the lives of citizens rests squarely on the shoulders of the government. We understand that the country is still in economic crisis but it is incumbent upon the relevant authorities to prioritise and expedite plans for the dualization of the Accra-Kumasi Highway. This transformation is not just about improving infrastructure; it is about saving lives and preventing future tragedies.

As we mourn the loss of a life in this accident, let this serve as a somber call to action. The transformation of the Accra-Kumasi Highway into a dual carriageway is not a mere suggestion; it is an urgent necessity that demands immediate attention. The safety and well-being of every Ghanaian traversing this crucial route must be prioritised, and we implore the government to act decisively.

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