An eleven (11) member task force has been inaugurated by the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) to help manage and ensure that traffic congestion characterized by the Christmas seasons within the metropolis was diminished to its barest minimum.
The Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi, Mr Abdul Mumin Issah made it clear that the job of the task force will go after drivers who stop and load at unapproved points in the metropolis which “contributes to unnecessary and avoidable traffic jams during rush hours.”
Currently, there are two major constructions ongoing in the metropolis, impeding both human and vehicular movements, especially to and from the Central Business District (CBD).
The first one has to do with the redevelopment of the 90-year-old Takoradi Market which has necessitated the relocation of hundreds of traders to the makeshift market.
The second project is the construction of a three-tier interchange at the Kwame Nkrumah Roundabout, resulting in the closure of two of the roads leading to the Roundabout.
With some weeks to Christmas, members of the public are worried that going to the Central Business District of Takoradi will be a terrible one.
“With these two major constructions, the city has become congested, especially when the road leading to West Tanokrom and Effiakuma have been diverted. It has become prudent and so imperative to look at how the discomfort will be reduced to the barest minimum”, said the Mayor.
According to him, the Assembly has also observed that the intransigence of some drivers was adding to the congestion.
“You will agree with me that now some parts of the metropolis are experiencing undue traffic which is clearly a result of some drivers stopping and loading at unlawful places. Consider the ‘Nzema Anokwa’ which has been taken over the Asempa Hotel, the old Accra Station and All Needs Supermarket. All these places have been turned into stations. The taskforce will crash these drivers to stop and load at designated stations”.
He, however, warned that “the sole mandate of the task force is to ensure that there is sanity on our roads and not to be seen as an avenue to enrich yourself or settle personal scores.”
“I also know that some members of society will be arrested but then will want to use their party affiliations to seek clemency. If you call me, I will not do anything because the law must work.”
Joseph Simons Cudjoe, the Chairman of the task force was confident that the team will work to the best of their ability without fear or favour to ensure that the roads are sanitized.
