The Minority Caucus in Parliament is calling for immediate road safety interventions on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, urging the government to complete unfinished bypasses and other critical sections following Monday’s fatal crash at Birimso Bridge near Bonsu Junction in the Eastern Region.
The accident, which involved a State Transport Company (STC) bus, a fuel tanker, a Mitsubishi pick-up and a Kia Sorento, claimed three lives and left several others injured.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 4, the Minority described the crash as another tragic reminder of the dangers facing motorists and passengers on one of the country’s busiest highways.
“Far too many lives have been lost on this highway, and the nation cannot continue to accept these recurring tragedies as inevitable,” the caucus said.
The Minority argued that while the proposed US$1.7 billion Accra-Kumasi Expressway Project remains an important long-term solution, the government must urgently address safety risks on the existing highway.
It called for the completion of unfinished bypasses and other outstanding road works, which it believes could significantly reduce accidents and save lives.
According to the caucus, funds have reportedly been secured in an escrow account at the Bank of Ghana for the expressway project, but it estimated that about US$300 million would be sufficient to complete the remaining works on the current highway.
“The immediate priority should be to complete the existing highway that can save lives now,” the statement said.
The Minority urged the government to accelerate work on all unfinished sections of the road while preparations for the new expressway continue.
It warned that continued delays in completing the outstanding works could leave road users exposed to further preventable accidents and fatalities.
The caucus also extended its condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the Birimso Bridge crash and wished the injured a speedy recovery.
