By Melchizedeck Donkor
The University of Ghana, one of the premier institutions of higher learning in the country, has been plagued by a longstanding problem that has claimed the lives of many students—particularly non-resident students, who form a significant portion of the student body—and left several others injured. The malfunctioning traffic light at Okponglo Junction, the university’s main entrance, has become a ticking time bomb, posing a grave risk to unsuspecting students.
The Nature of the Problem
Okponglo Junction is a critical intersection connecting the university to the rest of the city. The traffic light, which is supposed to regulate the flow of vehicles and pedestrians, has been malfunctioning for years, creating a chaotic situation that endangers students and other road users. The traffic light does not function at all, leaving some police officers to voluntarily manage traffic during the day. However, in the evenings, there is no regulation, leaving both drivers and pedestrians confused and frustrated.
The Human Cost
The non-functioning traffic light at Okponglo Junction has led to numerous accidents involving non-resident students. Statistics indicate that an average of three non-resident students are hit by vehicles every semester, with some incidents resulting in fatalities. Although university authorities have attempted to address the issue, their efforts have yielded limited success.
Impact on Academic Performance
Beyond the physical danger, the chaotic traffic situation has significantly affected the academic performance of non-resident students. The constant fear of being knocked down, combined with the stress caused by the disorderly traffic, has made it difficult for students to concentrate on their studies. Those who are always worried about their safety are less likely to focus in class, leading to declining grades and academic struggles.
Causes of the Problem
Several factors contribute to this ongoing issue, including:
- Lack of maintenance – The traffic light has not been properly maintained, leading to frequent breakdowns and malfunctions.
- Inadequate funding – University authorities have not allocated sufficient funds to repair and maintain the traffic light.
- Poor traffic management – The junction lacks proper traffic control measures, worsening the situation.
- Rapid urbanization – Increased vehicle movement due to urban expansion has placed immense pressure on existing infrastructure.
Proposed Solutions
To address this pressing issue, the following measures should be implemented:
- Repair and maintenance – The Ministry of Roads and Highways should urgently repair the traffic light to ensure it functions properly for student safety.
- Installation of new traffic lights – The Ministry should install modern, reliable traffic lights to effectively regulate movement.
- Permanent police checkpoint – The Ghana Police Service should station officers at the junction to maintain order and penalize traffic offenders.
- Education and awareness – Both drivers and pedestrians must be educated on the importance of obeying traffic regulations.
- Provision of shuttles – The Ministry of Transport should collaborate with the university to provide shuttle services at a fee for non-resident students. This initiative would also generate revenue to support other school expenses.
Conclusion
The malfunctioning traffic light at Okponglo Junction is a serious safety hazard that requires immediate intervention. University authorities, government agencies, and other stakeholders must work together to resolve the problem and ensure the safety of non-resident students and all road users. The proposed solutions are just a few ways to tackle the issue, but urgent action is needed to prevent further accidents and loss of life. Now is the time to act.
One Response