By Dennis Peprah
Sunyani, (Bono), Dec. 18, GNA-The Sunyani Adolescent ‘Parliament’ (AP) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for the ‘Big Push’ road infrastructure initiative.
The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), a Sunyani-based anti-corruption, human rights and media advocacy Non-governmental Organisation established the parliament to lead the adolescent movement and give them a voice in the decision-making process.
It is aligned with the implementation of the Foundation’s “Resilient City for Adolescent Project” (RCA) being funded by the Swiss Bortnar Foundation, seeking to improve the lives of adolescents in the country.
Master Daniel Sarkodie, the ‘Speaker’ of the 19-member parliament gave the commendation in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani, saying that President Mahama’s renewed focus on expanding and rehabilitating the road networks in the country was a positive step.
he said that would enhance connectivity, spur rapid socio-economic growth, and improve access to social services nationwide.
Master Sarkodie, however, expressed serious concerns about the designs and safety of the nation’s roads, especially in urban centres, saying that: “Many existing and newly constructed roads are unfriendly to young and vulnerable people.”
“Most of the roads in the cities and urban areas lack proper pedestrian walkways, safe recreational spaces, and climate-smart features,” he noted, saying that: “The absence of designated pedestrian paths exposes children and young people to frequent vehicular knockdowns.”
Master Sarkodie also expressed concern about the lack of lanes for cyclists, which caused unnecessary dangers for young people.
“We really appreciate the government’s Big Push initiative; however, we are also worried that many roads are always designed mainly for vehicles, with little or no consideration for pedestrians,” he added.
He said that: “Many roads in the country aren’t climate-resilient, making them vulnerable to flooding, erosion, and extreme weather conditions associated with climate change” and appealed to the President to ensure that roads earmarked for the big push were well designed.
Those roads earmarked for reconstruction and rehabilitation must be safe and well-marked with pedestrian walkways with dedicated motorcycle and cycling lanes, climate-smart designs and proper drainage systems as well as safe public spaces that protect children and young people.
Master Sarkodie said building inclusive and climate-smart roads would not only save lives and properties, but also greatly promote sustainable urban development, reaffirming the parliament’s commitment to advocate policies that prioritized the general wellbeing of adolescents.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah