The Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Oforikrom,Hon Anwel Sadat Ahmed, has announced a decisive intervention to address the persistent challenge of malfunctioning traffic lights within the municipality, pledging swift restoration of order and improved road safety.
According to the MCE, his office has formally engaged the expertise of the Physics Department of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to undertake the repair and rehabilitation of all defective traffic signals across Oforikrom.
The move is expected to bring technical precision and efficiency to the maintenance of critical road infrastructure.
“I have engaged the services of the Physics Department of KNUST to fix all broken traffic lights in my municipality; they will all be functioning soon,” Mr. Ahmed stated.
For months, residents and commuters in Oforikrom have expressed concern over the increasing number of non-functional traffic lights at major intersections, a situation widely blamed for traffic congestion, frequent near-misses, and a rise in road accidents.
Key areas within the municipality,particularly busy junctions that connect to the bustling metropolis of Kumasi have experienced disruptions due to the faulty signals, forcing motorists and pedestrians to rely on informal traffic control measures.
Transport operators, traders, and residents have repeatedly called on authorities to act swiftly, emphasizing the dangers posed by the situation, especially during peak hours.
The decision to partner with KNUST’s Physics Department underscores a growing trend of collaboration between local government authorities and academic institutions to solve real-world challenges. The department is known for its technical competence in electronics, instrumentation, and applied physics—areas critical to diagnosing and repairing traffic control systems.
Municipal authorities believe that the involvement of KNUST experts will not only ensure durable repairs but also introduce modern solutions that could enhance the efficiency and longevity of traffic management systems in the area.
Commitment to Road Safety and Efficiency
Mr. Ahmed reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving road safety and easing vehicular movement within Oforikrom.
He noted that functional traffic lights are essential for regulating traffic flow, protecting pedestrians, and reducing the burden on security personnel often deployed to manage intersections manually.
He further assured residents that the exercise would cover all affected areas and be completed within the shortest possible time.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism among residents, many of whom hope that the initiative will bring lasting relief. Some community members have urged the assembly to institute regular maintenance schedules to prevent future breakdowns.
Urban planners and transport analysts have also welcomed the move, describing it as a proactive step that could serve as a model for other municipalities facing similar challenges.
Looking Ahead
As work is expected to commence soon, attention will be focused on the speed and quality of the repairs, as well as the potential introduction of more advanced, possibly automated or solar-powered traffic systems.
For now, residents of Oforikrom—and the wider Kumasi area—will be hoping that this collaboration delivers on its promise of safer roads and smoother journeys.
