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05.06.2014 Feature Article

Thoughts Of OpeTenTum: Crossing The Roads...

Thoughts Of OpeTenTum: Crossing The Roads...
05.06.2014 LISTEN

On the high streets right in front of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), from Ako-Adjei Interchange to the King Tackie-Tawiah overpass at Kanda, drivers sped with impunity. You dared not test their patience by forcefully crossing their path: masters of the road they were. You'd be crashed to death if you tried.

There were times when it took me several minutes, just waiting for the roads to be free of vehicles, before crossing. Not even Zebra crossing signs inscribed on those roads could cause many of the drivers to halt for pedestrians.

Owing to this reckless driving by some drivers, there've been reported incidents of accidents between vehicles, and others involving children who attempted to cross the roads. If you've also attempted before at the same location in view, you perhaps may have experienced what I've been elucidating.

The ridiculous encounters were often with trotro drivers. 'They naaa they won't stop yet quick to insult.' The only times they did stop were periods they badly needed passengers.

A pedestrian's effort to cross the road, for instance, must please the trotro mate. If not, an extension of his hand towards the pedestrian was eminent. With his fingers would an irritating sign be seen, insulting the pedestrian's parents. Such 'fingering' signs represent 'special' insults in Ga. If you know these 'Ga Anthems' & how demeaning they are, you as well perfectly know the intensity of what I'm talking about.

But thankfully, there've been a swift intervention recently. The wings of the drivers have been considerably clamped down by steady erection of speed ramps on the roads. You may have even noticed them if you ply the GBC roads often. The situation now compels the drivers to slow down whenever they near the ramps.

Today, school children especially no longer have to cross with hearts in their pockets. Effectively, one can now cross those roads with ease.

The new development has, however, not gone down well with some drivers. They complain the new ramps delay them. But hey!! If they had been decorous enough to stop for pedestrians, would there have been a need to introduce the ramps in the first place? For me, it serves them better.

The Ghana Highway Authority should replicate this action on roads where drivers are fond of taking pedestrians for granted.

Well-meaning drivers, who would always stop and even signal others to do same for pedestrians to cross, should continue their noble act.

Equally, you and I, shouldn't 'majestically' cross the roads as though we're attending our coronation. It infuriates the drivers to act inappropriately sometimes.

Let's all act responsibly. We are equal stakeholders on our roads!

Gabriel Obodai Torgbor-Ashong

Ghana Institute of Journalism

[email protected]

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