Dr. Adomako Kissi, Anyaa Sowutuom MP Writes: The Safety Of Our Pupils On Their Way To School And Back Home.

This is an opportunity to participate in this important process about safety busing issues at the constituency level and nationwide.

There are varying transportation conditions and needs across Ghana, however we have a tough decision to make about how our children go to and from school. Ghana Education Service is the most helpful in advising and monitoring the busing needs of districts. I hope this write-up contains a wealth of detailed information that should assist all involved in future safety busing decisions. I think existing conditions warrant the need for busing children who have to cross highways to and from school.

Within my constituency many students have been injured and died on the Awoshie-Pokuase Highway as they crossed this major highway. I express concern over safety busing because its apparent cost to parents, districts and schools may discourage stakeholders from discussing this very important topic. I respectfully ask the question for further debate, should it be made mandatory that children get bused to and from school in Ghana?

Shall we thoroughly examine the cost, the liabilities and the extent of safety currently provided to our pupils as they commute to school and home after school. I am grateful for the full cooperation received from teachers, school staff and government officials as well as transportation groups and leadership as I researched the subject of transportation to school.

I estimate the cost of safety busing will rely solely on the number of pupils who may need service and the distance from bus drop off and pick-up of pupils.

Alternative for busing, such as crossing guard, traffic signals, safety patrols, good cross walks can be considered but, cost consideration make increased reliance on alternatives unlikely. Implementing and maintaining alternative solutions is greater than the cost of busing.

Key reasons why we should bus pupils.

1.Children should not be expected to walk on traffic lanes of a highway because streets get busy.

2.The speed, number and type of vehicle travelling on the highway indicate that traffic lanes are unsafe for pedestrian.

3.There are usually more vehicles using main highways which makes crossing unsafe.

4.Many places have no crossing guards to give extra protection for youthful pedestrians.

5.Constructions projects and street repairs, excavations may present additional problems for our pupils walking to and from school.

6.There are inadequate protection around huge drains or water ways, gutters and for children who walk along bridges or places without adequate protection especially during raining seasons or flood prone areas.

7.Child snatchers or thieves can present a hazard too.8.Absence of streetlights, traffic lights and speed limit signs.9.Most sidewalks are occupied by traders or stores as they showcase their products.10.Bad bridges that connect townships.

It is my humble opinion that parents, children, bus operators, drivers, other motorist, police, school boards, assembly personnel and Ghana Education Service would revisit this very important topic so as to reduce injury or death to our pupils as they walk to and from school. Many have suffered and have lost lives because of journey to and from school.

Thanks.

Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi

MP, Anyaa Sowutuom

Source: MyGhanaMedia.com / MP, Anyaa Sowutuom

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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