The temporary closure of the main footbridge at the Kaneshie Market Complex has caused a change in pedestrian behaviour, with many choosing a newly constructed ground-level crossing despite safety concerns.
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) shut down the heavily used overpass on April 2, 2026, for urgent rehabilitation after years of deterioration. In its place, a zebra crossing has been created through the median of the Dr Busia Highway to facilitate movement.
Although the arrangement exposes pedestrians to fast-moving traffic on the dual carriageway, many users say it is more convenient than using the footbridge.
Observation
When the Daily Graphic visited the site last Tuesday it observed the presence of AMA task force officers directing both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, ensuring some order at the busy intersection.
Further observations showed that while officials intermittently halted vehicles to allow pedestrians to cross, some individuals still moved haphazardly. However, the arrangement has not significantly disrupted traffic flow.
For many, the convenience and shorter distance of the crossing outweigh the physical effort involved in using the footbridge, especially for the elderly and those with mobility issues.
However, there is a growing consensus that the system can only be maintained with appropriate safeguards, such as well-functioning traffic lights.
Convenient
A pedestrian, who gave her name as Patricia, acknowledged that the ground-level crossing was easier and shorter, especially for people with health challenges such as knee problems.
However, she maintained that the footbridge remained safer, suggesting that consistent traffic control or the installation of traffic lights would make the new arrangement more acceptable and less risky.
Moro Musah, a delivery rider, also preferred the crossing, iterating that the footbridge was not convenient for everyone.
“It is better this way. All we need is a traffic light or the officials always stationed here. The bridge poses challenges for people, particularly the elderly and those with health problems,” he said.
He explained that with permanent personnel or traffic lights in place, the risks of crossing the highway could be significantly reduced, making the ground-level option both practical and safer for daily use.
According to Gifty Akorli, a vegetable vendor, the footbridge had discouraged many potential customers from accessing the market due to the physical effort required.
She added that congestion and hawking on the bridge further restricted accessibility, making it hard for users who needed support from railings, thereby reinforcing her preference for the ground-level crossing.
Urgent repairs
A trader, Mawuli Tel, while sharing the sentiments about convenience, emphasised the urgent need to complete the footbridge, warning that the current situation was unsafe.
He stated that allowing pedestrians to cross such a busy highway exposed them to reckless drivers and motorcyclists, cautioning that without strict controls, it would only be a matter of time before a serious accident occurred.
A transport worker at one of the many terminals in the market area, who only gave his name as Abraham, advocated installing traffic lights as an immediate solution, arguing that relying on personnel to direct traffic was unreliable.
He said the officer could leave at any time, but a functioning traffic signal would ensure continuous regulation and improve safety for both pedestrians and drivers at the crossing.
Source:
www.graphic.com.gh