Pungu youth demand urgent action on deplorable road and indiscriminate parking of long vehicles
According to them, several productive lives, particularly among the youth, have been lost through road accidents on the stretch, a situation they say requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
Youth in the Pungu community of the Kassena-Nankana Municipality are calling for urgent intervention to address the indiscriminate parking of long vehicles along the Pungu stretch of road, while also appealing to authorities to rehabilitate the deteriorating road to improve safety and motorability.
According to them, several productive lives, particularly among the youth, have been lost through road accidents on the stretch, a situation they say requires immediate attention from the relevant authorities.
Speaking on the Big Mike Breakfast Show on Monday, March 9, youth activist Elijah Azubam expressed deep concern about the persistent parking of articulated trucks and other long vehicles along the roadside, which he said significantly narrows the road and poses serious risks to motorists and pedestrians.
“When you look at the Pungu stretch of the road, the parking of long vehicles makes the road so narrow that even walking becomes difficult. These vehicles are parked to offload goods, and when you are approaching from the opposite direction, visibility becomes very poor. Unfortunately, not much attention is being given to this,” he said.
Azubam also highlighted the poor condition of the road as another major concern, citing numerous potholes, erosion along parts of the stretch, and inadequate street lighting as factors contributing to frequent accidents.
“Another issue is the potholes on the road. There is a lot of erosion taking place and poor lighting at night, all of which contribute to these crashes,” he added.
He further recounted the personal toll the accidents have taken on his family, noting that he had recently lost close relatives in separate incidents on the same road.
“I lost a brother on January 8 this year, and I am yet to recover from that pain. Just last week, I also lost an uncle through a road accident on the same road,” he said.
Azubam warned that the youth of the community may be compelled to stage a demonstration if authorities fail to address their concerns.
Another community member, Alfred Atingdi, called for intensified public education on road safety to help curb recklessness and other forms of indiscipline among road users, particularly young riders.
He also cautioned motorbike riders against alcohol consumption and substance abuse while riding, noting that such behavior endangers not only their lives but also those of other road users.
Residents say addressing the poor state of the road and regulating the parking of heavy-duty vehicles will significantly reduce accidents and help safeguard lives within the community.
Mike 105.3FM | Navrongo | David Adapuna
