Jachie-pramso: A Physical Education and Health teacher, Samuel Badu Dauda, at Jachie-Pramso Senior High School, has dedicated the last 16 years to voluntarily filling potholes on the Mankranso-Tepa-Sunyani Road to reduce road crashes and save lives.
According to Ghana Web, Dauda has been repairing sections of this highway with gravel, sand, and laterite since 2009 after witnessing numerous accidents that he believes were caused by the road's deteriorating conditions. His actions are motivated by the frequent loss of lives, and he has taken it upon himself to help avert accidents rather than watch motorists risk their lives.
The native of Tepa Ayinasuso undertakes these repairs after school using his own resources. He emphasizes that the poor condition of the road often forces drivers to swerve into oncoming lanes or lose control, particularly during the rainy season when water-filled potholes become difficult to detect. Dauda clarifies that his efforts are not a substitute for government responsibilities but a temporary measure until the Ghana Highway Authority can permanently rehabilitate the road.
Despite initial skepticism and accusations of wasting time, Dauda's mission gained support after people learned of his profession. He has received donations from drivers and road users, which he reinvests into the project. He has urged Ghanaians to engage in civic responsibility and address community issues instead of waiting for government intervention.
Dauda expressed gratitude to supporters, including drivers, road users, the Tepamanhene Nana Adusei Atwenewa Ampem II, and presidential aspirant Tweneboah Koduah. He also appealed for additional tools and equipment to further his efforts. His dedication has been praised by residents and commuters who note improved safety on the road, while they call on the government for a permanent solution.
The report highlights that road crashes claimed 1,009 lives in Ghana between January and April this year, with the Ashanti Region recording the highest number of fatalities at 263 deaths.