Concerned youth call for urgent action to curb loss of young lives through road accidents in Kassena-Nankana
Emmanuel Songoti Awefoge, a concerned youth from the Pungu community, described the situation as alarming and one that requires immediate advocacy and intervention from all stakeholders.
Some concerned youth in the Kassena-Nankana area have called for urgent and collective action to address the troubling loss of lives, particularly among young people, through road accidents in Navrongo and surrounding communities.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, March 9, Emmanuel Songoti Awefoge, a concerned youth from the Pungu community, described the situation as alarming and one that requires immediate advocacy and intervention from all stakeholders.
“We must all be concerned because many of those who die through these accidents are young people with great ambitions that could help transform our society. These tragedies take a toll on our economy, our emotions and the lives of families who depend on them.” He said.
Awefoge highlighted the devastating impact such losses have on families, noting that beyond the emotional trauma, many households are left struggling financially, especially when they have to deal with funeral arrangements and the sudden loss of breadwinners or promising children.
Also speaking on the programme, youth activist from Paga-Nakolo, David Tibambuya, described the situation as a serious crisis that requires urgent attention.
“Road safety in Navrongo, Paga and other surrounding communities is no longer just a concern; it is a serious crisis. The road is no longer merely a path for progress, it has increasingly become a site of mourning.” He stated.
“We are not just discussing statistics or data. We are talking about empty chairs at dinner tables, dreams cut short and pain that cannot be measured.” He added.
The concerned youth attributed some of the accidents to risky behaviours among young people, including careless driving, speeding, and the abuse of alcohol and other substances.
They also raised concerns about the parking of articulated trucks and other long vehicles along major roads, which they say has contributed to several fatal accidents in the area.
The group therefore called on relevant authorities to improve road conditions, repair deplorable sections of roads and enhance street lighting to make the roads safer for motorists and pedestrians.
They further urged young people to avoid actions that endanger their lives and that of others, and encouraged motorbike riders in particular to wear crash helmets as a basic safety measure.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
