Member of Parliament for Ayawaso West Wuogon, John Setor Dumelo, has issued a passionate pledge to transform pedestrian safety within his constituency following the tragic death of Nelson Blay Nokotey, a promising journalism student at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC-IJ).
The incident, which occurred near the Dzorwulu traffic light intersection on the George Walker Bush Highway (N1), has reignited a debate over the death-trap nature of the high-speed corridor.
Nokotey was reportedly struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross the highway after visiting the school’s South Legon campus on his way home.
In a statement released via his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Saturday, January 24, 2026, Dumelo characterised the loss as a profound failure of infrastructure that must be addressed with “immediate measures”.
“The safety of each student in Ayawaso West is my utmost priority. The passing away of Nelson, the student journalist who was trying to cross the N1, is very unfortunate,” Mr Dumelo stated.
The safety of each student in Ayawaso West is my utmost priority. The passing away of Nelson, the student journalist who was trying to cross the N1 is very unfortunate. As member of parliament it is my duty to ensure that appropriate measures are taken immediately to avoid…
— Farmer John,MP (@johndumelo) January 24, 2026
The MP, who has recently focused on a broader ‘2028 Road Goal’ to complete all major road projects in the constituency, emphasised that he views this tragedy as a direct call to action.
“As an MP, it is my responsibility to ensure that appropriate measures are taken immediately to prevent similar tragedies,” he added.
The Dzorwulu-Lapaz stretch of the N1 is notorious for its high vehicular speeds, often exceeding the 70 km/h limit, with data showing some motorists travelling at 120 km/h.
Students at the UniMAC-IJ South Legon campus frequently jaywalk across the North Dzorwulu junction to avoid a nearly 400-meter detour to the nearest safe crossing.
The UniMAC-IJ community has been plunged into grief.
On Friday, January 23, hundreds of students gathered on the campus for a sombre candlelight vigil.
Holding portraits of Nokotey and lighting candles, student leaders called for the urgent construction of a dedicated footbridge specifically for the South Legon campus area.
“My sincere condolences to the family and also to the entire GIJ community. I am with you,” Mr Dumelo reached out to the mourning students.
While the Department of Urban Roads recently announced disruptions to install a new bridge at Abeka Lapaz, the Dzorwulu intersection remains a gap in the safety net.
Mr Dumelo is expected to lobby the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Ghana Highway Authority to fast-track calming measures, including:
- Increased Lighting: Expanding his ongoing “Light Up Ayawaso West” project to the N1 dark spots.
- Rumble Strips: Installing physical speed deterrents ahead of the Dzorwulu lights.
- New Overpass: Exploring the feasibility of a pedestrian bridge closer to the UniMAC campus.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com