The Municipal Chief Executive for La Nkwantanang–Madina, Ibrahim Faila, has expressed deep concern over the rising number of pedestrian deaths recorded at the Madina Zongo Junction despite the presence of a fully constructed footbridge.

According to him, close to 60 people have died in the last seven years because many pedestrians continue to cross the busy highway instead of using the bridge.

Speaking about the situation, the MCE described the recurring fatalities as unacceptable and preventable.

He announced that the assembly is rolling out strict measures to ensure compliance.

“We are adding additional wire mesh, and from now on, we will strictly enforce the use of the footbridge. In the last seven years, we have lost close to 60 lives here. Just a day before yesterday, barely 25 to 30 minutes after we left this place, another life was lost. Each time it happens, we call on the appropriate authorities to help clamp down on this behaviour.

"... Why should we allow such things to continue? We have recruited a taskforce of nearly 100 personnel who will be stationed on both lanes to help prevent accidents and ensure pedestrians use this stretch safely,” he said.

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Faila explained that the new enforcement team will operate on both sides of the road to stop pedestrians from crossing the highway and to reduce the frequent accidents that have plagued the area.

The assembly hopes that the combination of physical barriers and strict enforcement will finally compel pedestrians to use the footbridge and bring an end to the recurring tragedies at the junction.

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Watch the MCE's comments below:



VKB/AE

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