{
  "id": 14211482,
  "title": "Dark Signals: The death trap of non-functioning traffic lights along Asokwa-Aputuogya Road",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/dark-signals-the-death-trap-of-non-functioning-traffic-lights-along",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-13T13:28:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/dark-signals-the-death-trap-of-non-functioning-traffic-lights-along-asokwa-aputuogya-road/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Asokwa-Aputuogya Road, a crucial artery in Kumasi, has become a lethal hazard for motorists and pedestrians due to malfunctioning traffic lights. A recent assessment by JoyNews and Adom News found that only 14 of 95 traffic lights at eight key intersections are operational. Francis Mensah reports that this lack of functioning lights creates a grave road safety issue, with 20 lives already lost at some points. Navigating any part of the Asokwa-Aputuogya road is perilous, with malfunctioning lights making pedestrian crossings especially dangerous. The already dimly lit road is frequently marred by broken traffic signals. Pedestrians are forced to risk their lives, attempting to gain right of way amidst the chaos. Despite the dualization of the Lake Bosomtwe Road's first phase from Asokwa to Aputuogya, the installed 95 traffic lights have failed to fulfill their intended function. The field team discovered that only 14 poles had functional lights, accounting for less than 15% of the total. At six crucial junctions - Dompoase-Aprabong Junction, Fanko Junction, Agogo Hospital Junction, Atonsu High School Junction, Ahinsan Bonsuom, and Ahinsan Filling Station Junction - all traffic lights were non-operational. Furthermore, some poles had collapsed onto the road.",
  "summary": "The Asokwa-Aputuogya Road, one of the busiest corridors in the Kumasi Metropolis, has turned into a death trap for motorists and pedestrians due to non-functioning traffic lights along the stretch. A field assessment by JoyNews and Adom News revealed only 14 out of the 95 traffic lights mounted at eight major intersections along the stretch are functioning. Francis Mensah reports that the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Gulf News",
        "title": "Dubai traffic alert: Crashes reported on E311, Emirates Road",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/13/dubai-traffic-alert-crashes-reported-on-e311-emirates-road",
        "published": "2026-10-13T13:51:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}