Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, January 15, Mr Arkhurst said the authority has already designed the required road and transport infrastructure to ease congestion in the national capital.

He emphasised, however, that implementation depends on the country’s leadership having the necessary political will.

“All the issues that are happening, the solutions are there. It is the political will and the commitment to say that we want to consciously solve the issue, we want to go ahead and implement the plans that we have,” he said.

“It is time to have the conversation; all stakeholders, come together. The government should play that critical role. If it is the road network that we are not ready to resolve, because it requires a lot of financial resources to be able to do that, from the public transport system, the solution is there, so we have to take that initiative and try to develop it,” he added.

“We hope that one day, the government will see the need that it is time to implement the plans we have to solve our problems,” he emphasised.

In recent times, road traffic congestion has worsened in the national capital.

Commuters are often seen stranded while trying to find transport to their homes and workplaces during morning and evening rush hours.

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In an effort to ease the congestion, police at the scene diverted traffic through alternative routes, directing motorists via towns such as Amunua Praso and Amanfokrom to reconnect vehicles to Nkawkaw.

However, the relief was short-lived. As traffic volumes surged along the bypass routes, congestion quickly built up, triggering another gridlock.

Vehicles moved bumper-to-bumper at a snail’s pace, with some motorists forced to switch off their engines amid rising frustration, as travel times more than doubled.

Commuters expressed anger over the lack of advance notice and the limited capacity of the diversion routes, noting that the temporary measure only worsened the situation and turned the detour into another traffic nightmare.

Police officers have since been deployed along the affected routes to manage traffic, while efforts continue to restore smooth flow on the main highway.

Authorities are urging motorists to remain patient and comply with traffic directives as work continues to resolve the situation.

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The Ghana News Agency Friday observed vehicles in long queues with limited movement, while pedestrians struggled to reach workplaces, markets and other destinations.

Many people from rural and urban areas travel to the central business district, perceived as a hub for cheaper goods, contributing to heavy congestion during the festive season.

Linda Ahiabor, a trader, said the traffic posed serious risks to pedestrians.

“The large crowds have also attracted thieves, making it easy to be robbed if one is not vigilant,” she said.

Juliet Baah, another trader, said although the area was crowded, many people were only enquiring about prices without making purchases.

She attributed the congestion partly to street trading and hawking.

“Some traders display and sell their goods along the pavements, which contributes to congestion and heavy human traffic, making movement difficult and increasing safety concerns for both traders and pedestrians,” she said.

Akwasi Nyarko, a trotro driver, said the traffic had increased his fuel expenses.

“Although Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) are doing their best to manage the road blockage, the situation remains the same as drivers still spend long hours stuck in traffic, leading to delays, reduced daily trips, increased stress, and lower overall earnings,” he said.

Nana Kwame Ampadu, a taxi driver, said traders had occupied portions of the road meant for vehicles, worsening congestion.

“I burn a lot of fuel because I’m always stuck in traffic. At the end of the day, it affects my sales,” he said.

Accra Central, Ghana’s trading hub, is known for heavy vehicular and human traffic during festive periods.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, December 11, Mr Nikpe explained that a major contributor to heavy traffic in the capital is the refusal of some commercial drivers to join transport unions. This, he said, allows them to operate without using designated stations and terminals, leading to indiscriminate stopping along major routes in search of passengers.

He stressed that commercial drivers must not operate outside union structures, noting that compliance with union and government directives is essential to streamlining public transport operations.

Mr Nikpe indicated that the 11-member task force currently assessing the public transport system will submit its report by Saturday, December 13. The Ministry will then implement measures to ensure all public transport operators join recognised unions such as the GPRTU of TUC and PROTOA and comply with station-based loading guidelines.

He said the move will help decongest roads by ensuring that passengers know where and when to access vehicles, while restoring order and improving traffic flow in the capital.

The Minister warned that drivers who refuse to comply will face sanctions, emphasising that regulating loading points is vital to enhancing commuter safety and improving the overall transport experience in Accra.

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Many road users, particularly drivers, attribute the gridlock to increased shopping activity ahead of the festive celebrations.

However, others point to the growing number of street vendors occupying major roads as a significant cause of the congestion.

In an interview with Adom News, one driver shared his frustration, stating that he had been stuck in traffic for over 45 minutes.

He noted that, the delays were hurting his daily operations, leading to financial losses from wasted fuel and missed sales targets.

He called for the removal of street vendors from the roads, emphasizing their role in exacerbating the congestion.

Another driver acknowledged that Tudu is known for its frequent traffic jams but described the current situation as particularly intense.

He attributed this to the influx of people in town during the festive season, which has further slowed vehicular movement.

The combination of holiday shoppers and street vendors has resulted in an overwhelming buildup of cars, leaving many drivers anxious and frustrated.

As the holiday season intensifies, the challenges of managing street vendors and maintaining smooth traffic flow remain pressing.

Drivers are calling on authorities to implement a balanced solution that addresses the needs of vendors while ensuring free movement of vehicles in Accra’s busiest areas.

Source: Akosua Agyapomaa Antwi

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While the interchange is expected to bring significant benefits, Director of Urban Roads, James Amoo Gottfried, has cautioned that it may not entirely resolve the congestion in the area.

Constructed by China Railway Engineering Ghana, the 802-meter dual carriageway includes a state-of-the-art overpass at the Spintex Road Flower Pot roundabout.

The interchange is anticipated to ease traffic flow in high-density areas such as Cantonments, Burma Camp, East Legon, and Spintex, significantly reducing travel times.

However, Mr. Gottfried emphasized the need for additional measures to address congestion, particularly near Cantonments and the Giffard Road Interchange.

He noted that plans are underway to create new exits and traffic dispersal routes to manage the increased vehicle volumes. “We also realize that with the efficiency it is likely to bring, we will still face congestion, particularly at the Cantonments edge,” he said.

“We are preparing the ground to move into Cantonments and facilitate the dispersion of traffic. Our studies show that many vehicles approaching the Giffard Road interchange typically make a right turn, then a left into Cantonments.”

He continued, “To ease the congestion, we plan to create another exit at ground level at the overpass, which will directly lead into Cantonments. This is necessary because we anticipate heavy congestion due to the increased speed with which vehicles from East Legon and beyond will reach that area.”

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This interruption will commence on Sunday, May 26th, and continue until Monday, July 29th, 2024.

The disruption is due to drainage and traffic management works on the section of Cantonments Road between the Police Station and Danquah Circle.

This project is part of a larger effort to improve the drainage system and enhance pedestrian safety in front of the Police Hospital.

The initiative is a collaboration between the International Hospitals Group Ltd (IHG) and the Ministry of the Interior.

It aims to upgrade the overall infrastructure and safety measures around the Police Hospital, ensuring a safer and more efficient environment for both pedestrians and motorists.

Motorists and other road users planning to use Cantonments road during this period are kindly requested to follow the traffic management signs placed for guidance.

The Police MTTD will be positioned at strategic points to assist all motorists.

Read the statement below:

This was announced in a statement by the police which indicated the reopening as at 6:00 am on Friday.

The statement noted repair work on the Lakplakpa bridge along the stretch has been completed.

The Service expressed appreciation to motorists for their cooperation and also apologised for the inconvenience caused.

The Roads and Highways Ministry on Monday commenced emergency repair work on the Lakplakpa river bridge on the Accra-bound section of the Accra-Tema Motorway.

This situation left scores of motorists and commuters stranded as the works led to a gridlock on the stretch.

The Roads Minister, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, announced the team will complete the task on Friday, June 17 and was confident that the deadline would be met.

He noted that the team has been working day and night to reconstruct the deck, applying modern technology of concrete production and use to ensure that the road is opened to traffic by Friday, 17 June 2022 at 6:00.

In connection with Ghana’s 65th anniversary, traffic management measures have been put in place to decongest traffic which may arise from the blockage.

Meanwhile, the Cape Coast Stadium Road will be blocked from dawn at Kwamina Walker Street junction and UCC School of Medical Sciences Mortuary junction.

All vehicles without passes would not be allowed entry into the Cape Coast stadium. This was contained in a press statement issued by the police.

Against this backdrop, police shuttle buses have been provided to shuttle all spectators to the Cape Coast sports stadium.

Spectators are to park their vehicles at either the Jubilee park or CNC park opposite UCC first gate on the Takoradi-Cape Caost highway.

Aggrey Memorial AME Zion SHS, after Moree Toll Booth, on Accra- Cape Coast Highway (N1) and Adisadel Sports Stadium, near Pedu Junction, on Siwdo Road, have also been provided as car park.

Spectators from Jukwa, Kakumdo, Ensuakyir, Ankafo will park at Wesley Girls Senior High School.

The Service has called on the general public to observe the relevant protocols and guidelines.

On the issue of security, the Police will collaborate with other security agencies to maintain order on all parade grounds, nationwide.

“As part of the arrangements, there will be an additional deployment of Highway and Motorbike Patrols to augment the existing security deployment on all roads within the country. These arrangements have been networked and dovetailed into all police Regional, Divisional and Districts to ensure a holistic, security strategy for a peaceful anniversary celebration at all levels,” it said.

Dremo, who is a signee of Davido, was riding with his friends when two robbers wielding cutlasses attacked them.

In the update he posted on Snapchat, he said the suspects forcefully opened their car door and demanded they dropped their phones.

It is unclear how the chaos started, but one of his friends who was a passenger in his car was left bloody after being slashed in the palm.

Dremo said he was lucky to escape in the other side of the car before the cutlass that was swung in his direction landed.

Having experienced such, the On God hitmaker has turned an advocate for car safety as he preaches the need to lock cars from inside and be wary of one’s surrounding.

The attack happened shortly after he posted photos of him and his friend having fun in his car.

Watch video below:

The construction has affected some sections of the road, leaving a narrow passage for road users.

The outfit in a public notice has since advised motorists using the affected roads to exercise patience and follow the directions of the personnel deployed to control the traffic.

Meanwhile, the Police are engaging the Department of Urban Roads and the contractor concerned to help manage the situation, including they considering the possibility of working in the night for early completion.

Members of the public may explore alternative routes where possible.

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The traffic lasted for hours and stretched to various parts of the capital.

The police said the situation was caused by an accident that occurred on the Accra-Kumasi Highway.

Parts of Accra that were affected by the gridlock were Achimota, Abeka Junction, Caprice, Kokomlemle and Circle among others.

The situation was, however, brought under control through the intervention of Motor Traffic and Transport Department personnel stationed at vantage points.

Meanwhile, the police have announced hotlines – 18555, 191, 0302773906 or 0302787373 – to assist people affected by recent heavy rains.

This will be from Monday, September 20 to Friday, October 15, 2021, due to the construction of a flyover over the motorway.

The ministry has assured that traffic management signs will be placed at vantage points on the road.

A statement, signed by the Acting Director of the Department of Urban Roads, Ing. James Amoo-Gottfried, has entreated motorists to follow the signs.

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They have also apologised for any convenience the disruption will cause to commuters.

Read the statement below:

She disclosed that while heading home from location, some robbers hijacked her car and robbed them at gunpoint.

She was robbed of her belongings while her driver was stabbed in the shoulder during the attack.

After surrendering her phone to the driver, she said she took cover under the car seat.

She described it as as mirracle that the hoodlums did not see her hiding under the seat throughout the robbery.

Their car was damaged and they were also dispossessed of their phones.

In videos she posted on her social media pages, her driver could be seen all bloody while she comforts him with a shaky voice.

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She is the third entertainer to be robbed on the Lagos stretch in the last two months.

Her senior colleague, Salami Rotimi and singer Terry Apala also cried out on social media in a post-robbery video.

In all three circumstances, none of them were injured except for their escorts.

Watch videos below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peju Johnson ( P J ) (@peju_johnson)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Peju Johnson ( P J ) (@peju_johnson)

Terry, narrating the ordeal in a post-robbery video said he, together with his PA and crew, was riding along the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos when the thugs spotted him.

He said while they waited in traffic, the men whose identities are not known attacked them with a cutlass.

Fearing for their lives, Terry said they did not allow access into their car, a move which forced the robbers to destroy their front windows.

They were dispossessed of their phones and other personal properties.

Terry was not harmed, but some of his crew members sustained injuries. He prayed they quickly overcome them.

This comes barely two months after another Nollywood actor, Salami Rotimi, was also robbed on the same Lagos road.

Rotimi, who was riding with his brother was also attacked while he waited in traffic.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Terry Apala (@terryapalaofficial)

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The former Accra Mayor’s act took place on Thursday, September 9, 2021, around Sakaman near Dansoman in Accra.

This was at a time there was a heavy gridlock on the stretch while he plied the route but with no police present.

In his quest to ensure law and order on the road, the MP parked his car to direct motorists on the stretch.

He carried out his duty effortlessly and with so much ease while the drivers on the stretch also complied with his directives.

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Motorists were delighted with his service which was ably assisted by his bodyguard.

The artiste, in a 58-second post-thievery video, detailed that the thieves took advantage of the red traffic light to execute their plans.

The Zylofon Music signee stated that while he was patiently waiting for the green light, some street boys approached to notify him of his faulty tyre.

Though he had doubts, he said he focused his attention on the rear of his car; but he had a bad feeling.

True to his instincts, his phone had been dislodged from the hanging charger in a matter of seconds.

He added that the street boys gained access to his car through the front passenger seat which was rolled down.

He bemoaned that he had lost all his voice notes, recordings and other documents on the smartphone.

After the narration, he used the opportunity to preach to his followers on the need to observe car safety, including rolling glasses up, if the need be.

Watch video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Kumi Guitar (@kumiguitargh)

In the video, the actor born Benson Nana Yaw Boateng was in a black-and-white tracksuit with a scarf on his head.

His act reportedly happened on a road believed to be the Odorkor-Kwashieman, at a time there was a heavy gridlock on the stretch.

In his quest to ensure law and order on the road, Funny Face parked his car to direct motorists on the stretch.

He carried out his duty effortlessly and with so much ease while the drivers on the stretch also complied with his directives.

Other motorists who were delighted with his service showered endless praises on him amid screams of Opete as he is affectionately called.

Funny Face who was beside himself with joy after the MTTD job took to his Instagram page to share the video with fans and followers which has attracted massive reactions.

Watch the video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by CHILDREN PRESIDENT (@therealfunnyface)

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This move is intended to enhance enforcement of traffic regulations and help reduce accidents on the roads.

Speaking on Newsfile Saturday, the Head of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, Superintendent Alexander Obeng said the initiative will be rolled out in about three months. He is optimistic the system will help track down offending motorists and get them to face the law.

“Very soon, the traffic police are coming with an automated system that will deploy cameras. These are traffic cameras that will detect in-traffic violations that lead to crashes because it is not only going to deploy unattended cameras but some will be in vehicles,” he revealed.

He said the traffic police department is determined to have an automated traffic police system.

According to him, plans are far advanced and in a matter of months the system will be fixed in 2021.

Supt. Obeng’s comment comes on the back of JoyNews’ hotline documentary produced by Seth Kwame Boateng dubbed “CRUSHED” highlighting the worrying statistics of carnage on Ghana’s roads.

Between January and March, 2021, 771 people have been killed in road accidents with some describing it as a national emergency that requires a new approach to deal with the canker if results are to be achieved.

Within the same period, 4,700 others suffered varied degrees of injuries after their involvement in motor accidents.

In view of this, Supt. Obeng is calling for a national action to revert the trend by adopting the use of sophisticated technology to address the fatalities recorded on the roads.

He, however, bemoaned the lack of progress in traffic management despite huge advancement in technology.

“If you look at traffic policing in Ghana, the way we started in 1952; that is how we have been till now. I think it is not working because there has been advancement. First, road designs and economic development have resulted in individual citizens buying more vehicles than we used to have. The nature of vehicle design, speed, and other features that come with it will speak to you clearly that the traffic police officer that was envisaged in 1952 should not be left with the same methods,” the MTTD officer said.

He further urged the government to invest in equipping the MTTD officers with requisite tools and training to be able to deal with the canker on the roads.

The lens of Nhyira FM captured Comfort at the Top High traffic lights, Ayigya on the Accra-Kumasi Highway.

This was at a time the traffic lights were not working due to power outage.

In her quest to ensure law and order on the road, Comfort left her bowl of water to direct motorists on the stretch.

From the video, there is no doubt that she could be a good Motor, Traffic and Transport Department officer.

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She carried out her duty effortlessly and with so much ease while the drivers on the stretch also complied with her directives.

A section of Ghanaians have already taken to social media to share the video which has attracted massive reactions.

Watch the video below:

This is to enable the Ghana Grid Company Limited to undertake the stringing of transmission line conductors across the N1, N2 and N4.

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The influence areas are:

N1. Tema – Aflao before the traffic light at the T. T. Brothers Junction (9am – 11am)

N2. Tema – Akosombo, near the newly constructed overhead walkway (12noon – 3pm)

Specific dates for subsequent works on the N1 at the Fiesta Royal Traffic Light Junction and the Okponglo Junction on the N4 will be provided in due course.

“Motorists are kindly advised to follow the traffic diversion signs to be placed at the various sections on the N1, N2, and N4.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused,” it said.

Signed

AG Chief Executive

A. B. K. Nuhu

Check out the original document below:

From his kind gestures of paying fees, distributing sanitisers, braiding hair, pounding fufu on a campaign trail, among others, he has also proved he could be a good Motor Traffic and Transport Department officer.

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In the latest video sighted on Instagram, the actor and politician was captured directing traffic at the Adjiringanor junction in East Legon, Accra.

Mr Dumelo at a point was also captured helping to push a faulty taxi from the middle of the road to pave way for other motorists.

Watch the video below:

According to MTTD Central Commander, ACP Anderson Fosu-Ackah, the deployed MTTD officers will be visible hot spots in Accra to help regulate traffic and also clamp down on criminal activities.

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“There is the need to scale-up our operation due to the inflow of people and vehicles emanating from the yuletide,” he said.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, Tuesday, ACP Fosu Ackah said personnel have effectively begun work on the road.

“The traffic situation in the festive season called for the launch of the Inspector-General of Police’s Operation Father Christmas to help us monitor and handle traffic effectively. MTTD personnel now stay on the road and close around 10:pm just to ensure the traffic subsides,” he said.

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ACP Ackah added that personnel have also created other access routes in the traffic dominated zones for vehicles “and we have also rolled out other traffic techniques.”

In Ghana’s capital, severe delays have been recorded on roads spanning from Accra Central to Legon and Madina as both cars and humans jostle for space through the ‘thick’ gridlock.

A visit to the areas by Adom News confirmed the situation was worse as the chain of vehicles could barely move.

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Some passengers, who could no longer bear the holdup, alighted from commercial vehicles to continue their journey on foot.

Despite police officers’ attempt to manage the traffic situation, many parts of Accra are still congested.

Many Nigerians will welcome the news because these roadblocks are often little more than excuses to demand bribes from both ordinary travellers and those transporting goods.

The police statement, however, said the move was intended to reduce time wasted at roadblocks and ease business.

What happens at a roadblock?

Meeting a policeman on the road can be an exhausting experience.

The Ak47 slung casually across his shoulder does little to reassure you about your safety.

More than likely he – and it is invariably a man – would ask you to identify yourself and provide a driving licence.

Then he would ask to check the boot of your car. Next he would verify that you have everything required by law – a fire extinguisher in each car, a warning triangle (C-caution), insurance, roadworthiness certificate and other documentation.

Any omission would lead to the choice of accompanying him to the police station, or an offer to “help you settle it” then and there, (pay a bribe to let you go).

Even if you are up to date on everything, that doesn’t mean you can proceed with your journey.

The officer would subtly ask if you have “anything for the boys”, or point out how hot the weather is (so he needs money for a drink).

This is not a rare occurrence, it is so common that Nigerian comedians often make fun of the police for soliciting bribes.

What not to do at a checkpoint

Receiving calls at a checkpoint can cause further delays.

Security forces generally take offence at people making calls in front of them.

Things could become worse if you try to film proceedings.

They do not take lightly to attempts to record them.

In 2013 police sergeant Chris Omeleze was sacked after a man filmed him trying to collect a bribe at the Lagos international airport. The victim posted the video on YouTube and it soon went viral.

How do you know which is an official roadblock?

There is no clear-cut way to distinguish between a real roadblock and a basic shake-down.

You will most likely see a barrel with the Nigeria police colours – blue, yellow and green – in the middle of the road.

At night a wobbling torch could be the only indicator of a police checkpoint ahead.

If you are unlucky it could also be armed robbers.

While some roadblocks are set up in order to catch criminals, others are merely a money-making scheme for corrupt police officers.

These often spring up at night and weekends.

The police chief has now ordered officers to wear uniforms with their name tags and service numbers visible. So a quick search on the police website could help you identify them and make a report.

How much is a bribe?

Nigeria’s Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2017 corruption survey said that 32% of adults who had come into contact with public officials had been asked for a bribe.

The NBS says a total of 82 million naira ($230,000; £170,000) was paid in bribes to public officials in Nigeria in the previous 12-month period. This equates to an average of one bribe per person per year.

A typical bribe from motorists would be 20 naira (five cents; four pence).

Worst hit are taxis and trucks transporting goods.

These groups are less likely to challenge authority and are often pressed for time, so they would rather pay a bribe.

A 2013 Transparency International global corruption barometer said that 92% of respondents in Nigeria felt the police were corrupt or extremely corrupt.

Will the roadblock ban succeed?

This is not the first attempt to rid Nigeria’s streets of roadblocks.

In 2012, then police chief Mohammed Dahiru Abubakar made a similar order and more than 3,500 checkpoints were cleared out.

However, they have since found their way back.

This fresh order is another attempt to improve the image of the police.

According to the statement, special “x-squad” teams have been deployed throughout the country to arrest, investigate and discipline any police officer violating the directive.

Every police department must now seek the permission of the inspector general of police to mount roadblocks.

This is just one of the measures that Inspector General Idris has introduced to try and improve the generally negative public image of his force.

But it will take a long time, and concrete evidence of change, before most Nigerians agree with the slogan proudly posted on most police stations: “The police is your friend”.

The delays were reportedly caused by a serious crash up the road that required an air ambulance to be summoned to the scene.

Two other passengers including the mother of the deceased child survived the accident but sustained various degrees of injuries hence receiving treatment at the Regional Government Hospital, Koforidua.

Meanwhile, the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue.

The driver of Chevrolet car with registration number ER 608-17 was speeding from Adweso direction to Koforidua township but failed to reduce the speed upon reaching the non-function traffic light at gallaway Junction.

In the event he rammed into the taxi with registration number GW 2958-Y, carrying three passengers including the mother and her child heading towards Korle-Nkwanta.

The deceased flung out of the vehicle onto the ground and suffered severe head injuries. Driver of the vehicle crushed his head against a rock at the roadside when the impact of the accident threw him violently out of the car.

Christian Frimpong, a passenger who survived the accident faulted the driver of Chevrolet for not reducing the speed towards the traffic light even though it was not working.

The Eastern regional MTTD has commenced investigation into the incident.

Meanwhile, some taxi drivers in Koforidua have lashed out at city authorities and Road Safety Commission for failing to address the malfunction traffic lights situation in the Municipality.

The drivers contended that, for about 10 years, traffic lights in Koforidua have not been working properly making driving a dangerous activity in the Eastern Regional Capital.