The Kaneshie footbridge in Accra remains shut, forcing hundreds of people to risk crossing a busy highway daily. This dangerous situation affects traders, commuters, and schoolchildren. Pedestrian safety is a major concern in this densely populated area. Police officers supervise crossings during certain hours.
However, their presence is not constant. The bridge shows visible signs of damage. These include cracks and damaged concrete pavement. No construction or repair work is currently underway. Traders like Maame Monica Serwaa report increased danger, especially at night. Streetlights near the bridge often do not work. This makes crossing even more perilous after dark. Several near-accidents and injuries have been reported. An elderly woman recently fell and injured her face. Another 70-year-old woman suffered a similar incident. A motorcyclist also knocked down a woman about a month ago. The rider eventually took the victim to the hospital.
The bridge’s closure began during the Easter festivities. Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive Mr. Michael Kpakpo Allotey announced repair plans then. Naa Ayorkor Otu-Anang, a former sandal trader on the bridge, now sells by the roadside. She fears for her safety near speeding vehicles. She says her business has suffered significantly. She has no alternative but to sell there for survival. She highlights that the elderly are most affected by the dangerous road crossing. They often rush and fall. Motorcyclists lack patience with pedestrians.
Some commuters previously avoided the footbridge. Traders often blocked the walkway then. Miss Veronica Efe Twumasi, a commuter, no longer minds the closure. She finds police assistance helpful for crossing. Esther Nyarkoa Aboronuma, a fruit seller, also supports the closure. She felt vibrations when using the bridge. She states repairs are urgent. She appeals for work to finish by August or September. The lack of engineers or materials at the site is puzzling. Lives lost cannot be replaced, she added.
The prolonged closure of this critical infrastructure has economic implications. Businesses that relied on foot traffic are suffering. The daily risk of crossing the highway deters potential customers. Inadequate infrastructure maintenance can lead to greater costs later. Economic activity in the Kaneshie area is likely impacted. The government faces pressure to act swiftly. Repairing the bridge is crucial for public safety and economic continuity. The lack of visible progress suggests potential procurement or funding delays. These issues need urgent resolution to prevent further accidents and economic hardship.