Regional News of Monday, 19 July 2004

Source: GNA

Bawjiase-Kasoa road records high number of accidents

Agona Swedru, July 19, GNA - The Awutu Bawjiase Police recorded 15 motor accidents on the Bawjiase-Kasoa road between June and July this year.

Six people died while 20 others got injured with property worth several millions of cedis lost.

Deputy Superintendent of Police 9DSP) in Charge of Swedru District, Mr Alex Addae, who disclosed this to the Ghana News Agency at Swedru said the highest number of accidents were recorded on the first of this month.

More than 13 vehicles were involved in accident in a sharp curve at Opembour.

DSP Addae said investigations revealed that the accidents occurred as a result of the poor construction of the road and over speeding. He cited the story of one Nkrumah Rockson who had returned from outside the country and died in an accident at the spot with one Kwame Abbey he had given a lift to Accra to collect his goods at the Tema Harbour.

DSP Addae stated that investigations also revealed that the contractor Messrs K. E and Sons failed to erect road signs warning to motorists about the nature of the road leading to accidents. He appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Transport to provide road signs at sharp curves on the road to save lives and property. Chief Inspector Stephens B. Quao, Officer in charge of the Bawjiase Police station asked drivers on the route to reduce their speed to avert accidents.

He also appealed to the Police Administration to provide a means of transport to enable the personnel to discharge their duties effectively. Chief Inspector Quao said personnel in the area found it difficult to go about their duties especially patrols and arrests, adding that, they rely on the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and hire taxis for official duties.

When Nana Kwame Eyiah, Managing Director of K. E. Sons Limited was contacted he confirmed the spate of accidents on the road and attributed them to over speeding and reckless driving. He said his company executed the contract according to the specifications of the Ministry of Roads and Transport and called on for erection of signposts on the road to curb accidents.