Potholes on roads continue to contribute significantly to road crashes in Ghana.
The Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) often classify pothole-related incidents under the broader category of “poor road conditions”.
Studies on road traffic crashes in Ghana indicate that poor road conditions account for about 15.50% of recorded accidents.
For the past 16 years, Samuel Badu Dauda, a Physical Education and Health teacher at Jachie-Pramso Senior High School, has been voluntarily patching potholes along the Mankranso-Tepa-Sunyani road to help prevent accidents.
Mr Dauda began filling potholes on the stretch with gravel, sand and laterite after witnessing several road crashes he believes could have been prevented.
He said his decision was driven by grief over the loss of lives through avoidable accidents, adding that he could not sit back while poor road conditions continued to endanger motorists.
“When an accident occurs, kills people, and is attributed to potholes or bad roads, I feel sad for not taking responsibility. Seeing people dying on this road because of accidents is why I have taken it upon myself as a responsible citizen to help avert such accidents,” he said.
The native of Tepa Ayinasuso has been carrying out the repairs voluntarily since 2009, using his own resources and time after school.
According to him, the Mankranso-Tepa road has deteriorated over the years, forcing motorists to swerve into oncoming lanes or lose control of their vehicles.
He added that many of the potholes become dangerous traps, especially during the rainy season when they fill with water and become difficult for drivers to detect.
Mr Dauda stressed that his efforts are not intended to replace the responsibility of government agencies but to save lives while waiting for a permanent solution from the government and the Ghana Highway Authority.
“I am just one person, but if my little effort can prevent one accident, then it is worth it,” he said.
He revealed that some people have discouraged him from continuing the work, accusing him of wasting his time and energy. However, he said their perception changes when they realise he is a professional teacher.
“Some people, especially those who do not know me, assume I am here to solicit money. But those who know me often defend me and confront those who try to discourage me. All the support I have received from drivers and road users has been invested directly into this project,” he said.
Mr Dauda has urged Ghanaians to demonstrate civic responsibility by helping to address challenges within their communities.
He said government alone cannot solve all the country’s problems and encouraged citizens to take action where they have the capacity to help.
“I am aware that other major roads also have potholes causing fatalities. Civic responsibility is essential to national development. My appeal to Ghanaians is this: if you identify an issue in your community and you have the capacity to help, act on it. Do not wait for the government,” he said.
The teacher expressed appreciation to some drivers, road users and individuals, including the Tepamanhene, Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem II, and presidential aspirant Tweneboah Koduah, for their contributions and encouragement.
He is appealing for additional tools and equipment to support his pothole repair efforts.
Road crashes claimed 1,009 lives in Ghana between January and April this year, with 4,899 crashes recorded nationwide within the same period. The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 263 deaths.
Residents and commuters along the Mankranso-Tepa corridor have commended Mr Dauda for his years of voluntary service, saying his intervention has helped prevent further deterioration of the road.
They have called on the government to rehabilitate the road permanently and end the cycle of temporary repairs and avoidable crashes.
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