Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Call for Footbridge and Functional Traffic Lights

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Market, one of the largest spare parts hubs in West Africa, is facing a major safety concern. According to Takyi Addo, the Head of Communications of the Abossey Okai Spare Parts Dealers Association of Ghana, the market accommodates close to 45,000 traders, including buyers and sellers. However, a lack of pedestrian safety measures is making it extremely difficult and dangerous for traders and customers to cross the busy highway that separates the market from the bus stop.

Speaking in an interview on Mr. Woode Studios, a podcast hosted by Mr. Woode, a renowned blogger and content creator, Takyi Addo highlighted the challenges faced by traders and customers in crossing the road.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Market is strategically located along the main Accra-Cape Coast highway, making it a high-traffic area. However, there are no zebra crossings or pedestrian footbridges to help people safely cross from the market to the bus stop, where they board commercial vehicles to their destinations. To make matters worse, the traffic lights on the road have not been functioning for a long time.

In an interview with some traders and pedestrians, many expressed frustration over the dangers they face daily when crossing the road. They explained that they often have to plead with drivers to stop before they can safely cross.

“We have no choice but to cross this busy road every day. We close from work and need to get to the bus stop to board vehicles to our homes. But without a footbridge, zebra crossing, or working traffic lights, it is very risky. A car can hit pedestrians at any time.”

The issue affects not only traders but also buyers who travel from various parts of Ghana, including Kasoa, Odorkor, Ablekuma, Mallam, Cape Coast, Takoradi, and Elubo. They all have to cross the highway to access commercial vehicles back to their destinations.

The traders and pedestrians are calling on the government to urgently fix the non-functioning traffic lights and construct a footbridge to ensure safety.

“We need a footbridge or at least a working traffic light to help us cross safely. The government should intervene before an accident happens,” one pedestrian emphasized.

Given the market’s importance to Ghana’s economy and its large population, stakeholders believe that authorities should act swiftly to prevent potential accidents and ensure pedestrian safety.

The Abossey Okai Spare Parts Market is a vital business hub, attracting thousands of traders and buyers daily. However, the lack of pedestrian safety infrastructure is putting many lives at risk. As traders and customers continue to appeal to the government, it remains to be seen whether authorities will take immediate action to fix the traffic lights or construct a footbridge to safeguard lives.