GHA warns public against vandalising road infrastructure

The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has condemned the vandalism of the vandalism of the retaining wall near the Tantra Hill underpass on the Achimota- Ofankor Road (N6).

It, therefore, reminded the public that tampering with public infrastructure was a criminal offence punishable by law under the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, (LI 2180), section 114, subsection 4(b).

“We urge all residents and commuters to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities around public infrastructure to the nearest police station or the Public Affairs Division of the Ghana Highway Authority,” a statement issued by the GHA, said. It said repair works would be carried out shortly to prevent further deterioration

The GHA was responding to a viral video on social media posted by the Buzsstopboys showing exposed reinforcement on the retaining wall near the Tantra Hill underpass on the Achimota- Ofankor Road (N6).

The authority said “an earlier assessment undertaken by our team of engineers revealed spalling over a localized area of the retaining wall.

“This situation has exposed the rebars, leading to theft by unscrupulous individuals. We wish to assure the public that the underpass remains structurally sound and safe for all users.

Repairs would be carried out shortly to prevent further deterioration,” the GHA, said.

Last Thursday, the Daily Graphic reported that some unscrupulous persons had cut and stolen some iron rods on the retaining wall on the south side of the Tantra Hill underpass.

The criminals, believed to operate under the cover of darkness, have peeled off the covering used for the rods in order to have access to them.

Portions of the affected area can be seen, with the exposed iron rods, some of which have been vandalised.

Ministry

The Head of the Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Nasir Ahmad Yartey, said the situation had come to the attention of the ministry for some time now, and that an assessment of the facility showed that there was weak and porous concrete in the affected parts of the retaining wall.

Mr Yartey said steps had been taken to fix the problem and that the situation had been evaluated.

"We have done all the estimates and selected the contractor, and we are hoping that he will mobilise to site and start the remedial works soon," he said.

He said they had done the assessment and knew what the issue was.

He gave an assurance that there was no cause for alarm and that all that was needed to be done was for the contractor to move to the site.

Mr Yartey said although there were already some defects, that did not warrant the cutting of the iron rods.

"It is becoming one too many where people vandalise road infrastructure, especially street lights, bolts and nuts," he said, and cited the stealing of the bolts and nuts on the tunnel across the Accra-Tema Motorway.