Dangers on the UPSA–UGBS Stretch: darkness, crime, and safety concerns

The stretch of road linking the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), and the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has become a significant safety concern for students, motorists, and pedestrians. Recent media reports and community outcry reveal persistent hazards related to poor visibility, lack of street lights, weak infrastructure, and crime. One of the most tragic incidents on the UPSA–UGBS stretch occurred on the night of November 21, 2023, when a Master’s student from UGBS, Mr. Dennis Twumasi-Ankrah, lost his life after being attacked by robbers and pushed into the path of a vehicle. The University of Ghana Business School confirmed his passing and expressed deep concern over the safety situation on the stretch. Students and drivers in the area have repeatedly voiced their alarm about the absence of functional street lighting. A report on student sentiments noted that UPSA students were frustrated by dysfunctional streetlights that left the road dark at night, making pedestrians vulnerable to accidents and criminal acts such as snatching and stabbing. Drivers also reported challenges in seeing pedestrians or obstacles in the dark. The issue of inadequate lighting is not unique to this campus road but reflects a broader problem across Accra, where many streetlights remain non-functional despite government pledges to restore them. Investigations show that even major roads and intersections throughout the city are plunged into darkness at night, heightening the risks of accidents and crime. In response to these concerns, community and institutional actions have been initiated. The UPSA Global Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon and local authorities, has repaired several streetlights along the UPSA–UGBS road to improve visibility and enhance safety. However, students and road safety advocates argue that more needs to be done. In addition to the installation and maintenance of street lights, there are calls for improved traffic control measures, functioning traffic signals, and an increased security presence on the stretch at night. As the academic community and local residents continue to call for safer streets, the UPSA–UGBS stretch remains emblematic of broader urban road safety issues in Accra: dark roads, inadequate pedestrian protection, and persistent risks to life and property.