MP for Weija-Gbawe Calls for Strict Enforcement of Pedestrian Footbridge Use

Hon. Jerry Ahmed Shaib, the Second Deputy Minority Whip and Member of Parliament (MP) for Weija-Gbawe, has called for stricter enforcement of pedestrian footbridge usage across the country to enhance road safety.

The MP made the call during a statement in Parliament on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, where he highlighted the pressing need for action on pedestrian safety, particularly in urban areas.

In his statement, Hon. Shaib emphasized that pedestrian footbridges, which were introduced to safeguard pedestrians crossing busy roads, are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to protect public safety. These footbridges provide safe passage over high-traffic roads, protecting pedestrians from the dangers posed by fast-moving vehicles.

However, despite significant investments in footbridge construction in cities such as Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, many pedestrians continue to ignore these vital safety measures, often out of convenience or impatience.

This, he noted, has led to numerous avoidable accidents, some of which have tragically resulted in fatalities and serious injuries.

The Second Deputy Minority Whip added that Ghana, like many other countries, continues to struggle with high pedestrian accident rates, a situation directly linked to pedestrians failing to use the footbridges.

According to Hon. Shaib, these incidents could be significantly reduced if pedestrians adhered to the safer option of utilizing the footbridges provided.

He therefore proposed a multi-faceted approach to address the issue, which includes public awareness campaigns where the government must intensify efforts to educate the public on the importance of using footbridges through mass media, community outreach, and school programs. Pedestrians need to be informed about the dangers of jaywalking and the vital role footbridges play in ensuring their safety.

“A stronger enforcement of traffic laws urging the police to enforce pedestrian safety regulations more effectively, including fines for those who fail to use footbridges and for drivers who disregard pedestrian safety,” he said.

The MP also urged that the Footbridges must be designed to accommodate all pedestrians, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and children.

He further called for improvements in lighting and clear signage around these structures should be implemented to encourage their use, especially during nighttime.

Hon. Shaib called for closer collaboration between the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Police Service, and the National Road Safety Authority.

He stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility, and the public must play an active role in ensuring their own safety.

The lawmaker also urged the Minister of Roads and Highways to prioritize the completion of the pedestrian footbridge at Tetegu in the Weija-Gbawe constituency, ensuring it is fully operational for public use.

He concluded by stating that a collective effort between the government, road safety authorities, and citizens is key to ensuring footbridges serve their intended purpose and help reduce the high rates of pedestrian accidents and fatalities on the roads.