Road construction in Ghana has seen major strides over the years, with massive projects rolled out in cities, towns, and even remote areas. From new interchanges in urban centres to improved highways linking key regions, the country has made visible progress in expanding its road network.
These developments are commendable and necessary for economic growth, improved connectivity, and national development. However, a critical observation remains: while we build wider roads, longer bridges, and modern interchanges, we often neglect essential features that ensure safety, emergency responsiveness, and road discipline.
Many of these roads are built without adequate consideration for the everyday needs of pedestrians, cyclists, emergency service vehicles, and urban management systems. As a result, preventable accidents occur, response times in emergencies are delayed, and chaos often replaces order.
This calls for a complete shift in how we plan and design our roads. It is time for the Ghana Highways Authority, under the Ministry of Works and Housing, to enforce new standards in all future road contracts—making it mandatory to include dedicated emergency lanes, clearly marked pedestrian and bicycle paths, and enforceable regulations to remove hawkers and control the placement of billboards.
These elements are not just technical add-ons—they are critical components of a safe, organized, and modern transport system. Ignoring them undermines the full value of our investments in road infrastructure. Their importance cannot be overstated if Ghana is to build roads that serve all users and meet international safety standards.
Dedicated Emergency Lanes: A Lifesaving Necessity
Emergencies are time-sensitive. Every second an ambulance or fire tender is delayed, a life may be lost or property destroyed. Yet, in many parts of Ghana, emergency services are forced to meander through gridlocked traffic because there are no dedicated emergency lanes.
Clearly marked and protected emergency lanes on major roads would allow the Ghana Ambulance Service and Ghana Fire Service to navigate swiftly during emergencies. These lanes should be part of the road design from the start—not afterthoughts. In Europe and the US, emergency lanes are standard and respected. Ghana must follow suit, especially in urban centres where traffic congestion is heavy and emergency delays are common.
These lanes would also serve as priority evacuation routes during disasters such as floods or fires, enabling swift relief operations. A dedicated lane offers a fast, clear path, ensuring help reaches the scene as quickly as possible while reducing further chaos on already congested roads.
In many emergencies, minutes—even seconds—can mean the difference between life and death. Without a dedicated emergency lane, ambulances and fire trucks are often forced to stop completely. This not only affects those in critical need but also places additional pressure on emergency teams trained to act swiftly.
Incorporating emergency lanes into all new road designs is not just a matter of convenience—it is a matter of national safety. These lanes must be legally protected, with strict penalties for misuse by non-emergency drivers. Proper signage, public education campaigns, and enforcement must accompany their implementation. Integration with traffic signal control systems can also allow emergency vehicles priority access at intersections. With a well-planned emergency lane system, Ghana can drastically improve emergency response times and save countless lives annually.
Pedestrian and Bicycle Lanes: Safe Access for All
Another glaring gap in Ghana’s road infrastructure is the absence of pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes. Every day, pedestrians walk dangerously close to moving vehicles. Cyclists weave through traffic, risking their lives on roads that were never designed for them.
The solution is simple but powerful: all road contracts must mandate pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes. These should be clearly demarcated, well-paved, and continuous. In cities like Copenhagen and Amsterdam, bicycles are legitimate modes of transport, supported by safe infrastructure. Ghana must not wait for more lives to be lost before adopting this model.
Incorporating such lanes is not just about preventing accidents—it’s about promoting alternative, eco-friendly, and affordable transportation. Many citizens walk or cycle because they cannot afford vehicles or public transport. Others choose it for a healthier lifestyle. Building proper infrastructure reduces pressure on public transport, lowers emissions, and promotes healthier living. Safe roads must serve every user—not just motorists.
Emergency-Ready and Organized Road Networks
With dedicated lanes for ambulances, fire trucks, bicycles, and pedestrians, Ghana’s roads would be safer, more organized, and more efficient. Accidents do not only cause loss; they disrupt the entire traffic system. Without emergency lanes, the chaos multiplies—delaying help and sometimes causing secondary collisions.
An emergency-ready road network ensures quicker interventions, faster accident clearance, and less disruption. It allows authorities to coordinate traffic management better—especially in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, where congestion is chronic.
Designing roads with emergencies in mind improves public trust in emergency services. Citizens are more likely to cooperate and stay calm when systems are in place to protect them. Emergency responders can also perform their duties more effectively when not hindered by poor infrastructure.
Hawking on Roads: A Dangerous Culture
Street vending is a survival strategy for many, but its location must be controlled. Hawkers who occupy pedestrian paths—or even roads—endanger themselves and others. They contribute to congestion, distract drivers, and delay emergency vehicles.
Designated market spaces, modern kiosks, and enforced relocation programs are needed nationwide. While we must respect the economic needs of hawkers, road safety cannot be sacrificed. Authorities must work with local assemblies to create regulated vending zones that are safe and accessible.
Unregulated hawking also damages sidewalks, clutters roads, and undermines infrastructure. It increases maintenance costs and reflects poorly on urban planning. Moving hawkers to managed commercial zones improves safety and enhances the image of our cities.
Billboards and Roadside Signage: Regulate or Remove
Another overlooked hazard is the reckless placement of billboards and signage along highways. Oversized or poorly positioned structures block visibility, distract drivers, and sometimes collapse during storms, causing fatalities.
Strict zoning laws and enforcement are essential. Billboards must meet safety requirements for height, size, and placement. Flashing or digital billboards should be banned near intersections and pedestrian crossings.
Beyond safety, cluttered signage causes confusion and missed exits, increasing the risk of accidents. A clear signage policy must prioritize visibility and functionality over advertising profit. A clean visual landscape supports safe navigation.
Raising Standards: Ghana Must Aim for International Benchmarks
Ghana is not an island. To attract investment, tourism, and trade, our infrastructure must meet global standards. Safe, accessible, emergency-ready roads are the foundation of a thriving economy. They support efficient logistics, protect lives, and reflect a forward-thinking nation.
By adopting best practices from countries with strong road safety records, Ghana can drastically reduce accidents, save lives, and build cities that work for everyone.
A Call to Action: Build Smarter, Safer Roads
The Ministry of Works and Housing, through the Ghana Highways Authority, must urgently revise all road construction contracts. A modern, safety-first approach must become the standard. This means:
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Mandating emergency lanes for ambulances, fire trucks, and police
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Constructing pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes
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Establishing regulated hawking zones
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Enforcing billboard placement laws
These are not optional upgrades—they are essential.
For far too long, Ghana’s road construction has focused mainly on vehicles, neglecting the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, and emergency responders. If we truly want to reduce the alarming rate of road accidents and improve emergency outcomes, we must shift our priorities.
Safe roads make transportation more efficient, encourage healthier lifestyles, reduce pressure on hospitals, and restore discipline to urban movement. Every Ghanaian—regardless of age, income, or location—deserves the right to walk, ride, drive, or be rescued without unnecessary risk.
Let’s move from building more roads to building better, smarter, and safer ones—for today and for future generations.
By Nana Kweku Ofori-Atta, Security Consultant
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