Rising Insecurity and Darkness at Aflao Border and Achimota Forest Spark Urgent Public Outcry

A wave of concern is sweeping through key transit hubs across Ghana as non-functional streetlights and deteriorating security conditions leave commuters and drivers vulnerable to criminal attacks. From the critical Aflao border crossing in the Volta Region to the busy Achimota Forest stretch in the heart of Accra, large sections of infrastructure have been plunged into darkness. This lack of illumination has not only hampered visibility for motorists but has also created a sanctuary for criminals, prompting urgent calls for government intervention to prevent further loss of life and property.

At the Aflao border, the security situation has reached a boiling point following a tragic incident where a member of the Cooperative Hiring Car Union was killed while attempting to defend a passenger from an attack. Emmanuel Kwasi Agbodeka, the union's secretary, has sounded the alarm, noting that the border enclave is dangerously under-policed and poorly lit at night. Despite notifying the authorities of these deteriorating conditions, efforts to restore essential street lighting have yet to yield results. Stakeholders emphasize that as a vital international gateway, the neglect at the Aflao border poses a significant threat to both national security and the safety of international travelers.

Similarly, in the capital, the stretch of road bordering the Achimota Forest is causing significant distress for motorists and pedestrians. Connecting vital areas such as the Achimota Overhead to Westlands, this route is often engulfed in total darkness at night, exacerbated by the dense vegetation of the forest which provides easy cover for robbers. Commuters report that the lack of visibility makes crossing the road a life-threatening endeavor due to speeding vehicles, while others fear being targeted by criminals who exploit the shadows to ambush passersby. Residents are specifically calling on the Ghana Highway Authority and local municipal assemblies to move beyond temporary fixes and establish a regular maintenance culture for street lighting in the area.

The shared plight of those at the Aflao border and the Achimota Forest underscores a systemic challenge regarding the maintenance of public lighting infrastructure and its direct correlation with rising crime rates. Across these regions, the demand from the public is clear: an immediate restoration of streetlights and a visible increase in police patrols to deter criminal activity during the night. As long as these critical stretches remain in darkness, the safety of thousands of daily commuters remains in jeopardy, necessitating a swift response from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ministry of the Interior.