In a surprising twist of fate, a road that was once known for its deplorable state has now become a hotspot for frequent accidents, leaving residents deeply concerned.
While the newly constructed road was initially welcomed as a long-awaited solution to years of poor road conditions, the frequent incidents of crashes have left many questioning the safety measures put in place.
The Santasi-Apire -Hemang road stretch in the Ashanti region which was built early this year [2024], was supposed to be a relief for residents and drivers after years of neglect and disrepair.
The newly built road was aimed at reducing frequent drivers’ visits to mechanic shops and the amount of dust in these communities. However, instead of the convenience commuters hoped for, it has become a scene of frequent crashes and near-misses.
Akosua Mansah, who is in her late 70s, and struggles to walk steadily in her compound, was knocked down by a taxi driver in August and is now recovering from her injury. Akosua had gone out one morning to get bananas at a nearby fruit vendor when the accident occurred.
Narrating her ordeal to Channel One News, she said, “I was knocked down by the car and fell into a gutter, the driver didn’t even stop, he sped off. I was taken to Premeso for first aid before they took me to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) for treatment. I have not been able to do anything on my own since the accident.”
On his part, John Asamoah, this harsh reality struck when he received a devastating call about his beloved wife, Diana Okyere from a doctor at Adomfie Hospital (Hope Exchange Hospital).
On October 4, 2024, Diana Asamoah had gone out to deliver eggs to her customers in Nwamasi but tragically lost her life after being struck by a car.
John received the heartbreaking after he had visited the facility.
“I rushed to the hospital after receiving a call on my wife’s phone, I was told my wife had died after being knocked down by a car at Santasi-Apire-Hemang road.”
Isaac Adooko, a coconut seller who has been working along this stretch for years narrates how drivers overspeed on the stretch of the road.
“The speed on this road is very serious, we’re always scared to witness the rate of drivers’ speed on this road. I was almost hit by a car on this stretch some time ago.”
Kofi Amoako, the Unit Committee Chairman for the Nwamasi Apire electoral area explains that the road has seen numerous accidents and urged authorities to construct speed ramps to help reduce the number of incidents.
“We have witnessed several accidents on this road, we call on the government to provide speed ramps for us. Or in the interim, provide solutions to curb the crashes.”
Doctor David Amo Aboagye with the Hope Exchange Hospital at Santasi, says, the hospital has recorded at least, 50 injured persons and 12 deaths from road accidents on the Santasi -Apire-Hemang road between May and October 2024.
“Per the data we have gathered, that is from May to October of this year, 2024, we have had about 50 injuries and 12 deaths. Out of the 12, we have had 10 people dying here and we had to refer two to KATH. Unfortunately, one died on his way to KATH and the other one died at KATH.”
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