Damongo, the capital of the Savannah Region, is grappling with a growing safety concern as hawkers and traders have taken over the pedestrian walkway at the main lorry station. This development is putting the lives of schoolchildren and other pedestrians at risk on a daily basis.
What was designed as a safe passage for pedestrians, especially students heading to and from school, has now been converted into an open market. Traders selling fruits, vegetables, clothes, and other wares have occupied the walkway, forcing pedestrians to compete with vehicles for space on the busy station roads.
Students, many in their school uniforms, can now be seen dangerously maneuvering through moving vehicles, commercial cars, and tricycles just to get across the station. Parents and concerned residents have raised alarm over the situation, citing potential accidents and the general chaos the takeover brings to the area.
A few commuters who spoke off-record expressed frustration over the lack of enforcement by city authorities. “Every day, you see children trying to squeeze through cars because there’s no place to walk. This is not safe,” one said.
The growing encroachment is also making it difficult for commercial drivers to park or operate effectively within the station, worsening traffic congestion during peak hours.
It is unclear what steps the municipal authorities plan to take, but many are calling on the West Gonja Municipal Assembly to swiftly address the situation by relocating the hawkers and restoring the walkway for pedestrian use, particularly for the safety of students.
Until decisive action is taken, the safety of innocent schoolchildren and pedestrians will continue to hang in the balance at one of Damongo’s busiest public spaces.
