Ghana MP Pledges Safer Roads After Student's Tragic Death

When Nelson Blay Nokotey tried to cross a busy highway after class, he became another statistic on one of Ghana's most dangerous roads. But his death is now catalyzing real change that could save countless lives.

The University of Media, Arts and Communication student was struck by a vehicle near the Dzorwulu traffic light on the George Walker Bush Highway in Ayawaso West Wuogon. Like many of his classmates, he was crossing the high-speed corridor where some drivers reach 120 km/h in a 70 km/h zone.

Member of Parliament John Dumelo immediately pledged to transform pedestrian safety across his constituency. "The safety of each student in Ayawaso West is my utmost priority," Dumelo said in a statement released Saturday.

The problem has been brewing for years. Students at the UniMAC South Legon campus regularly jaywalk across the dangerous intersection to avoid a 400-meter detour to the nearest safe crossing. It's a calculated risk that turned deadly for Nokotey.

On Friday, hundreds of students gathered for a candlelight vigil, holding portraits of their classmate and calling for urgent action. Their grief has united with political will to create momentum for change.

Dumelo is now lobbying the National Road Safety Authority and Ghana Highway Authority to fast-track specific improvements. His plan includes expanding his "Light Up Ayawaso West" project to dark spots on the highway, installing physical speed bumps near the Dzorwulu lights, and exploring a pedestrian bridge closer to campus.

The Ripple Effect

This tragedy is accelerating broader infrastructure plans already underway. Dumelo's "2028 Road Goal" aims to complete all major road projects in the constituency, and student safety has jumped to the top of that agenda.

The Department of Urban Roads recently announced a new bridge installation at nearby Abeka Lapaz, showing that change is possible when communities demand it. The Dzorwulu intersection was a gap in that safety net, but it won't remain one for long.

Student leaders are staying engaged, turning their grief into advocacy. Their voices, combined with political commitment, are creating the kind of pressure that actually moves infrastructure projects forward in a country where road safety improvements often stall.

Other dangerous pedestrian crossings across Ghana may benefit from this attention too. When one community successfully fights for safety improvements, it creates a blueprint others can follow.

Nelson's classmates won't get their friend back, but his memory will live on in every student who safely crosses a new footbridge on their way home from class.