By James Amoh Junior
Accra, April 1, GNA – Captain Festus Yeboah Asuamah, a dedicated officer of the Ghana Army, is set to embark on an extraordinary 250-kilometer cycling journey from Accra to Kumasi in a single day.
The initiative, dubbed the “Ride for Safety and Fitness 2025,” is aimed at advocating for cyclist safety on Ghanaian roads while promoting cycling as a sustainable and effective form of transportation and physical exercise.
Scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2025, the endurance ride will begin at Burma Camp in Accra at 3:00 AM and conclude at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi by 7:00 PM.
The journey will take approximately 13 to 15 hours, with designated stops along the route for hydration, medical check-ins, and bike maintenance.
Key stops include Nsawam (40km), Suhum (70km), Linda Dor (100km), Nkawkaw (146km), Adansi (177km), Konongo (200km), Kubease (222km), and Ejisu (245km) before reaching KNUST at 250km.
In memory of Akpene Adzo Ahadzie
The ride is being dedicated to the memory of Akpene Adzo Ahadzie, a Level 600 Master of Architecture student at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), who tragically lost her life in a cycling accident on campus in 2024.
Captain Asuamah’s effort seeks to raise awareness about the importance of road safety, particularly for cyclists, and advocate for improvements in urban mobility to ensure safer roads for all users.
The initiative aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11.2, which emphasizes the need for safe, affordable, and accessible transport systems, with a focus on enhancing road safety for vulnerable users, including cyclists.
Safety, medical support measures
To ensure the safety of the ride, a comprehensive support plan has been put in place. The journey will be accompanied by a medical team with a fully equipped first aid kit, periodic medical check-ups at each safety stop, and an ambulance on standby throughout the ride.
Additionally, security escorts will be deployed to provide protection and ensure a smooth passage along the route.
The Ride for Safety and Fitness 2025 aims to drive collaboration with government agencies, corporate entities, fitness organizations, and health institutions to foster a safer environment for cyclists in Ghana.
The target audience includes government institutions responsible for sports and transportation, fitness organizations, road safety authorities, health and fitness brands, and students.
Upon arrival in Kumasi, Captain Asuamah will meet with the family of the late Akpene Adzo Ahadzie to offer condolences and solidarity.
The event will also feature brief speeches from the family, the rider, and the management team, as well as acknowledgments of supporting partners, special guests, and participants.
Media interviews will be conducted to further amplify the message of cyclist safety and fitness promotion.
Capt. Asuamah on his inspiration
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Captain Festus Yeboah Asuamah, sharing his motivation for the initiative said, “The inspiration is the late Akpene Adzo Ahadzie, who was involved in a cycling accident. The objective of the ride is to advocate for the safety of cyclists on the roads.
“Coming from a military background and being a physically active person, I know that cycling is beneficial for both training and exercise. So, we also want to promote cycling as an effective form of exercise and transport,” he added
He emphasized the need for sustained awareness, stating, “We don’t want this to be a one-time event. We will leverage social media and other platforms to consistently remind drivers and road users that cyclists also share the road. When we keep talking about this, it will sit in people’s minds, and they will start being more conscious of cyclists on the road.”
Captain Asuamah also revealed that Akpene was working on a final-year project that sought to repurpose urban spaces to accommodate cyclists.
He said, “She came up with 3D designs and ideas to promote cycling-friendly infrastructure. Our hope is that this initiative will bring attention to the need for cycling lanes and better road safety measures.”
Support, challenges in preparation
Captain Asuamah stated that, the family of the late Akpene Ahadzie had expressed full support for the initiative, confirming that “they have been involved in the planning process and will be part of the final event in Kumasi, where a brief memorial will be held.”
Discussing his personal preparation for the ride, he said, “Since the beginning of the year, I have intensified my cycling training. In the military, we train frequently, so physical fitness has always been part of my routine. However, I had to put in extra work for this long-distance ride.”
He noted that the event, initially planned as a solo ride, has attracted interest from other professional cyclists.
“Now, more people want to join. My only concern was their physical readiness, but most of them have been riding for a while. The logistical aspect has been a challenge, as most of the costs are self-sponsored. If we secure financial support, we can cover the accommodation and feeding costs for participants.”
Captain Asuamah, therefore, encouraged individuals, organizations, and government bodies to support the cause.
“We have a management team in charge of sponsorships. Anyone interested can contact us. Financial support will help cover logistics, accommodation, and feeding for riders joining the event,” he noted.
Challenges anticipated on the ride
According to Captain Asiamah, one major challenge identified is the poor state of the Pokuase road, which had led to a change in route.
“Initially, we planned to start from Burma Camp and end in Kumasi at Luv FM, but the Pokuase road is so bad that even vehicles struggle to navigate it. Since we are now riding as a group, we had to adjust our starting point beyond Pokuase to ensure safety.”
Another challenge is the possibility of rain. “According to the weather forecast, it should be clear, but we will confirm again by Wednesday. If it’s light rain, we will continue, but heavy downpours might affect the ride.”
Join the ride
With this initiative, Captain Asuamah hopes to inspire a nationwide conversation about the importance of integrating cycling into urban transportation planning while ensuring the protection of cyclists on Ghana’s roads.
The “Ride for Safety and Fitness 2025” is more than just a personal challenge — it is a call to action for individuals, policymakers, and communities to recognize cycling as a vital part of a healthier and safer urban landscape.
As Ghana’s cities continue to grow, the need for alternative and eco-friendly transportation solutions has never been greater. By pushing his physical limits and championing this cause, Captain Asuamah is not just riding for himself but for every cyclist who has ever felt unsafe on the road.
Whether you are a cycling enthusiast, a road safety advocate, or someone who simply believes in creating a better future, this is a movement you can support.
Ghana’s roads must be shared fairly and safely by all. Join the conversation, support the cause, and together, let’s pedal towards a safer and more sustainable Ghana.
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