Accra, June 27, GNA - The use of speed ramps on highways in rural areas has proven dangerous and has ironically exacerbated the spate of accidents on some roads, Deputy Minister of Transportation, Mr Magnus Opare Asamoah, said in Parliament on Friday. He said in spite of the 50kph speed limit signs installed at approaches to settlements and the occasional police patrol to enforce speed limits,

drivers continue to speed at settlements, resulting in road accidents. The Deputy Minister was responding to a question on when the construction of speed ramps on roads in the Ningo-Prampram constituency would begin.

Mr. Opare Asamoah said in place of speed ramps, the Ghana Highway Authority "has designed traffic calming schemes with rumble strips, delineators and studs to make them reflective in the night." "Under the 2008 approved budget for road safety works, provision has been made for the implementation of traffic calming measures on a number of roads in the Greater Accra Region, including the Dawhenya-Prampram, new Ningo-Nyibenya, Dawa-Koni Kablu Junction." "Evaluation of bid for these works has been completed for award," he added.

Responding to another question, the Deputy Minister said it was the policy of government to link all district capitals with their major towns.

"It is also the policy of government to tar the district capital roads'', he said in response to when the Dadieso town roads in the Suaman constituency would be tarred."

"It is expected that the construction of the road from Enchi to Dadieso will commence this year. During the course of the construction, the main road through Dadieso will be tarred and subsequently the town roads." 27 June 08 ATTENTION RECIPIENTS: ITEM 07 ENDS OUR SECOND TRANSMISSION