Party Communicators in Navrongo Central express concern over rising road accidents among youth
Godfred Apolala, a member of the NDC Communications Team and Daniel Bayivere the NPP's Constituency Youth Organiser are calling for for collective action to address the situation,
Party communicators from the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the Navrongo Central Constituency have expressed concern over the increasing number of road accidents in the area, particularly those involving young people, and are calling for collective action to address the situation.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Friday, March 13, Godfred Apolala, a member of the NDC Communications Team in the constituency, attributed some of the accidents to avoidable practices such as the wrongful parking of vehicles along roadsides and the failure of some road users to wear helmets.
He stressed the need for citizens to speak up against practices that could endanger lives, sharing a personal experience to illustrate his point.
“Some time ago, I saw long vehicles parked along the Kologo, Naaga road without proper warning signs. When I raised the issue publicly, some people said I was doing politics. A day after I spoke about it, the vehicle was moved. But how many people are able to speak up?” He asked.
Apolala noted that every road user is at risk if road safety measures are not prioritised and urged stakeholders to address the issue objectively without allowing partisan politics to influence the discussion.
Also speaking on the programme, Daniel Bayivere, the NPP Youth Organiser for the constituency, described the situation as largely a matter of discipline and adherence to policy regulations.
“The issue is how we respect our policies and laws regarding road safety. The Constitution of Ghana and other regulations provide clear guidelines on how our roads should be used, but unfortunately many people ignore them,” he said.
Bayivere attributed the persistent disregard for road safety regulations partly to interventions by politicians and other influential individuals when offenders are sanctioned.
He called for an upgrade of the road regulation and enforcement system to ensure stricter penalties that would deter offenders and urged enforcement bodies to desist from actions that encourage non-compliance.
“Elsewhere in advanced countries, authorities do not chase offenders when they break traffic rules. Their systems are digitized and offenders are automatically charged for flouting regulations. Can we develop such a system here in Ghana?” he questioned.
The two communicators emphasized the need for collective efforts from citizens, road safety authorities and government to improve road conditions and strengthen enforcement to help reduce road accidents and save lives.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
