In response to the increasing number of vehicular accidents at the gates of the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the UCC branch of the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has made an urgent call for the installation of speed ramps and traffic lights at both the East and West gates of the University.
The goal, they say, is to protect the lives of staff, students, and the general public.
The call was made during a peaceful protest march organized by UTAG in collaboration with other university unions.
The march aimed to draw the attention of highway authorities and government officials to the alarming spate of road carnage around the university’s entrances.
Speaking to MyNewsGh.com, Dr. Jerry Opoku Ansah, President of UTAG-UCC, expressed concern over the frequency of accidents.
“It tarnishes the image of the University,” he said. “Last year, a PhD student who was about to graduate was knocked down by a vehicle while crossing the road to campus.”
He further recalled a tragic incident that occurred just last week, on June 19, when a tipper truck lost control and crashed into several vehicles and a tricycle, resulting in the death of a driver and injuries to several others.
“As university professors, we are deeply concerned about the rampant road accidents at UCC gates. That’s why we’re protesting,” Dr. Opoku Ansah emphasized.
“We are demanding that both the East and West gates be secured with speed ramps so the university can regain its peaceful learning environment.”
Professor Peter Grant, Head of the Department of Classics and Philosophy, also voiced his concern, citing a past incident involving students attending a Spelling Bee competition on campus.
“Many came to participate but several were lost to an accident at the UCC gate,” he said. “We keep losing breadwinners and young lives to these avoidable tragedies.”
Although an overhead bridge is currently under construction, Prof. Grant insisted it won’t solve the problem entirely.
“This is not just a UTAG issue. We want action now—not more promises. If authorities delay, we will create our own speed ramps,” he warned.
The President of the UCC Students’ Representative Council (SRC), Abraham Norman Nortey, also raised concerns over reckless driving.
“As responsible citizens, we are reaching out to government officials. But if nothing is done within the next week, we will take our own action,” he cautioned.
Cape Coast Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. George Justice Arthur, who was present at the protest, acknowledged the urgency of the situation.
He pledged to meet with the Director of Highways and other relevant stakeholders to address the issue.
“In the meantime, while we wait for the full road project, something must be done immediately. We’ll push the relevant institutions to act swiftly,” he assured.
