Car dealers operating along the George Walker Bush Highway in Accra have taken over a section of the pedestrian walkway leading to the Kwashieman footbridge, forcing pedestrians to navigate through a narrow space and exposing them to the risk of road accidents.

The dealers, who display vehicles for sale along the N1 highway, have extended their activities onto the walkway, occupying almost half of the path with parked cars.

The development has made it increasingly difficult for pedestrians to access the footbridge safely, with some forced to move dangerously close to the busy highway to make their way across.

The walkway was constructed to provide pedestrians with safe access to the footbridge and prevent them from coming into direct contact with fast-moving vehicles on the highway. However, the presence of cars on the pathway appears to be defeating that purpose.

Some regular users of the footbridge have expressed concern about the situation, particularly during peak hours when large numbers of commuters use the facility to cross the highway.

Residents say schoolchildren, elderly people and pedestrians carrying heavy loads are among those most affected, as they struggle to make their way through the limited space left available.

They fear that unless urgent action is taken, the car dealers could gradually occupy the entire walkway, leaving pedestrians with no option but to use the highway and increasing the likelihood of serious accidents.

The affected pedestrians are therefore appealing to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ghana Highway Authority and law enforcement agencies to intervene by clearing the walkway of vehicles and preventing further encroachment.

They are also calling for regular monitoring and enforcement to ensure that the facility remains accessible and serves its intended purpose of protecting pedestrians.

Residents warn that failure to address the situation could result in accidents and possible loss of lives.