Potholes riddled Tamale–Bolgatanga highway puts lives at risk

The Tamale–Bolgatanga highway has become a major safety concern for motorists as numerous potholes now dominate large sections of the road, posing serious risks to both drivers and passengers. Motorists who regularly use the highway say the worsening condition of the road has made travel stressful and dangerous, with vehicles frequently swerving to avoid deep craters that have developed over time.

Drivers report that the potholes often cause sudden tyre bursts, leading to loss of control and, in some cases, fatal accidents. According to them, several crashes recorded along the stretch are directly linked to the poor nature of the road. Commercial drivers, in particular, say the damage to their vehicles has increased their operational costs, as they are forced to replace tyres and spare parts more frequently

The situation is said to be even more dangerous at night, when visibility is low, and many of the potholes are difficult to detect. Drivers explain that unsuspecting motorists often run into these hidden craters at top speed, resulting in severe accidents. Some sections of the road have become virtual death traps, especially for long-distance travellers unfamiliar with the terrain.

One commercial driver, Yakubu Alaru, who plies the Tamale–Bolgatanga route, lamented that the numerous potholes have already claimed several lives. He appealed to the government and the relevant road authorities to urgently fix the highway, stressing that timely repairs would help prevent further loss of lives and ensure the safety of commuters who depend on the road daily.

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