Poor street lighting raises safety concerns along Accra-Tema Beach road

A lack of sufficient street lighting is once again prompting safety concerns on key roads in the Ghanaian capital following a recent accident on the Achimota-Ofankor Highway. While the Accra-Tema Beach Road is currently undergoing major rehabilitation, stretches of the road remain dark at night, leaving residents and commuters to question how they can be kept safe until the project is finished.

On the day of a visit to the area, a news team encountered Asibi, a seller in the La enclave. She recounted a robbery incident that occurred the previous week, which nearly endangered her and her young child. "The lack of street lights really worries those of us who sell in the area," she explained. "Sometimes armed robbers come, and just last week, one attempted to steal my bag.

I shouted for help, but no one came to my aid." For many commuters who frequent the road, the situation becomes particularly worrisome during the evening rush hour. "It is very concerning," said Patience, who also works nearby. "Recently, a motorist struck an elderly man while he was crossing the road, and I later learned that he died."

Patience expressed growing concern when there are no other people around after finishing work, stating that thieves often target them in the dark. Drivers noted that the darkness is more than just an inconvenience; it hampers their ability to see and react to events on the road. "We have to drive with extreme caution to avoid hitting anyone on the road," said Ebenezer, a motorcyclist.

In the absence of their own headlights, motorcyclists often rely on the lights of passing cars, which can be disorienting when they flash too brightly. Ohemaa, who regularly uses the road, expressed heightened anxiety over phone thefts. "It's a major problem because for many of us, it puts our phones at risk of being stolen," she said.

"If you're near the window and using a phone light, it can easily be snatched, and this road is notorious for that. Without adequate lighting, the likelihood of being robbed increases significantly." The Accra-Tema Beach Road serves as a crucial coastal route connecting communities from Accra to Tema. The road spans approximately 26.6 kilometers, with a 16-kilometer stretch running from the Independence Arch through the neighborhoods of Osu, La, and Teshie to Nungua.

This section connects residential areas, schools, businesses, hotels, health facilities, and other important institutions. However, the road remains dark, prompting calls for the urgent completion of the project and proper lighting along the corridor to ensure the safety of those using this vital link between Accra and Tema during the evening hours.