By Dorincia Ataa Snr Nketia (Journalism student UniMAC- GIJ
The woeful state of roads in Ghana is not one to be proud of. Potholes a treacherous hole that plaque the surface of the road has taken its toll on the Ghanaian roads.
Potholes can lead to accidents of higher or even irreplaceable damages if care is not taken. Potholes wreak havoc to tires and other essential components of vehicles leading to costly repairs.
What causes potholes?
Formation of potholes in Ghana is influenced by multitude of factors including, lack of maintenance, where despite the fact that roads are constructed well, regular upkeep are not done on them to maintain their high standards. These may be as a result of insufficient funding.
Again, some roads are simply poorly built so it can’t withstand the weight of heavy vehicles causing roads’ surface to crumble and then potholes emerge.
The issue of potholes is grave and proper attention should be given to it. As government has declared this year as the second year of roads, expectations are high to see more standard and well-equipped roads but rather we continue to see countless of roads in deplorable states.
What can be done?
Addressing this issue, the Ghanaian government can invest in improving road constructions and maintenance, heightened awareness about potholes to motorist who ply the roads to foster more cautious behavior.
The challenge of combating potholes in Ghana is complex, therefore collective efforts from the government, motorist and the Ghanaian people at large is needed to make our roads safer for us all.