The Member of Parliament (MP) for Akyem Oda in the Eastern Region and former Deputy Minister of Health, Alexander Akwasi Acquah, has raised concerns about the construction of numerous speed ramps on the Abirem–Akyem Oda road, calling on the Ghana Highways Authority to investigate their placement and safety features.
Mr Acquah says the increasing number of speed ramps on the road, particularly those without adequate warning signs and reflective markings, poses potential safety risks to motorists and other road users.
In a public appeal to the Ghana Highways Authority, the MP drew attention to a stretch of the road where he claims more than 15 speed ramps have been constructed within a distance of less than one kilometre.
He expressed concern that the ramps lack signposts to alert approaching drivers and do not have reflective markings to make them visible, especially at night.
“Ghana Highways Authority, please check the speed ramps on the Abirem–Akyem Oda road,” Mr Acquah stated.
He added: “No signposts to indicate the presence of over 15 ramps in a span of less than a kilometre. No reflection on the ramp itself. What a country we have.”
His comments have drawn attention to broader concerns about the planning, construction and maintenance of traffic-calming infrastructure in Akyem Oda and neighbouring communities.
Speed ramps are generally installed to reduce vehicle speeds in built-up areas, near schools, markets, residential communities and other locations where pedestrians face increased risks from moving vehicles.
However, their effectiveness depends on appropriate placement, dimensions, visibility and the availability of adequate warning signs.
Where speed ramps are difficult to identify from a reasonable distance, motorists may encounter them unexpectedly, potentially forcing sudden braking or abrupt changes in vehicle movement.
The absence of reflective markings can make the situation more challenging at night, particularly on roads with limited street lighting.
Mr Acquah’s concerns therefore raise questions about whether the speed ramps along the Abirem–Akyem Oda road have the necessary warning signs and visibility features to alert drivers in good time.
Residents and motorists in Akyem Oda and surrounding communities have also expressed concerns about the growing number of speed ramps on local roads.
Some drivers have complained that certain ramps are excessively high or poorly shaped, making it difficult to navigate them comfortably without significantly reducing speed.
According to the concerns raised by motorists, poorly constructed ramps can contribute to damage to vehicle components, including suspension systems and axles, particularly when drivers encounter them unexpectedly.
The concerns are particularly significant for commercial drivers and other motorists who regularly use the affected roads.
For drivers travelling at night, the absence of adequate warning signs and reflective features could make it difficult to identify ramps early enough to slow down safely.
However, the specific engineering standards used in constructing the ramps on the Abirem–Akyem Oda road have not been independently established.
Mr Acquah’s appeal places the Ghana Highways Authority at the centre of calls for a technical assessment of the affected stretch of road.
A comprehensive inspection would help establish whether the ramps meet applicable road-design and traffic-calming requirements, whether their spacing and dimensions are appropriate, and whether adequate warning signs and reflective markings have been provided.
The assessment could also help determine whether some of the ramps require modification to improve visibility and reduce potential hazards for motorists.
Where deficiencies are identified, corrective measures may be necessary to ensure that the installations achieve their intended purpose without creating additional risks for road users.
The concerns also highlight the importance of coordination among road authorities, local assemblies and communities when deciding where speed ramps should be installed.
The complaints from Akyem Oda reflect broader concerns about the construction of speed ramps on roads in other parts of the country, including areas around Koforidua and other communities where motorists have raised questions about their number, dimensions and visibility.
While speed ramps can play an important role in reducing vehicle speeds and protecting pedestrians, their construction needs to be guided by appropriate engineering considerations and road-safety requirements.
An excessive concentration of ramps within a short distance may also affect traffic flow and increase the frequency of braking and acceleration, making proper assessment of their placement important.
For communities where pedestrians, schoolchildren, traders and other residents share road space with vehicles, the challenge is to balance the need to control speeding with the need to maintain safe and accessible roads.
The concerns raised by the Akyem Oda MP have renewed attention on the need for road authorities to ensure that traffic-calming measures are properly designed, clearly marked and maintained.
Motorists and residents are likely to expect the relevant authorities to establish whether the speed ramps on the Abirem–Akyem Oda road comply with applicable standards and to address any deficiencies identified.
For Mr Acquah, the immediate concern is the reported presence of more than 15 ramps within less than one kilometre without adequate warning signposts or reflective markings.
A response from the Ghana Highways Authority, together with a technical inspection of the affected stretch, could help clarify the circumstances surrounding their construction and determine what remedial action may be required.
By 1960news.com
