In a surprising turn of events, the control system for the traffic lights at the Awoshie Mangoase intersection in Ghana has been stolen, rendering the lights non-functional and posing significant safety risks to commuters.
The theft was brought to light by Ghanaian media personality Arnold Elavanyo, who reported that unknown individuals had stripped the area of its critical infrastructure, turning it into an illegal dumping ground.
According to Arnold, the thieves got access to the control unit which was pretty much an easy feat, and removed it along with other needed systems for traffic operation.
This incident has led to increased accidents and chaos at the intersection, particularly affecting school children and other vulnerable road users.
The stolen control system, essential for managing the solar-powered traffic lights, was discovered missing during a community clean-up exercise.
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Local residents, including the unit committee member for the Awushi Electra area, have expressed frustration over the lack of response from authorities despite numerous reports and letters sent to the assembly and other relevant bodies.
As community members pointed out, the traffic lights have been non-operational for nearly two years, contributing to a series of accidents, some fatal.