The hidden story of Accra pedestrians

Each day millions of people use the roads. As much as hundreds plough in their own vehicles, thousands patronize the public transport popularly known as “trotro”. Equally important group of persons on the road are the motocyclers and the bicyclers. More often than not, factions of road users who are looked down upon are the pedestrians.

This category of persons faces a hell of challenges in their daily routine. Crossing a street becomes a problem if not for the help of the traffic lights. For the zebra crossing, hmm! I’m tempted to say that they are just decorations on the street or perhaps, road users to be specific; drivers are not well enlightened on its usage.  I thought road signs are taught in driving schools and also when one goes to obtain driving license. Yea, as one would say, “Much is taught but little is learnt”.

One morning I found myself at a zebra crossing waiting patiently to cross while the vehicles were passing. Suddenly a private car stopped signaling me to cross. As curious as I was, I wanted to know who the person was, perhaps he might be my daddy, though it was impossible since my daddy owes no car, so I peeped through the window and realized he was a “white man”.

I gestured thank you and attempted to cross, but to my utmost surprise, I was staked in the middle of the road since another driver could not have that patience to wait for me to cross. As usual, I peeped through to see that impatience driver who did not emulate his fellow driver. You can guess who he was; he was a “black man”. It may sound hilarious but very serious to those who experience it.

Immediately I crossed the road, another passer-by drew closer and asked me “W’ahunu y3n bibinii suban?” in the Akan dialect meaning (have you seen the attitude of a black man?). I smiled and responded in the affirmative in support of his question. This goes to attest to the fact that black men don’t care for one another.

That wasn’t the only instance, I have faced several similar situations where “trotro” drivers will stop for pedestrians to cross but some “private” care drivers would not. 

This has left me in a state of mental battle, contemplating day and night but hasn’t got an answer to why some drivers behave in that manner.

Perhaps, all drivers in the country should be taken through a one week lecture to educate them on the importance zebra crossings and other road signs.

This however is not feasible. It’s therefore my contention that neither the police nor any institution can avert this; it’s simply our conscience and attitude. Until drivers realize its part of their God given responsibility to care about other road users, just as it is a privilege for them to sit in a car, this problem will persist.