The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG), University of Cape Coast (UCC) branch, yesterday staged a peaceful protest march under the theme #ItCouldHaveBeenYou, aimed at drawing national attention to the increasing threat of road accidents at the university’s East and West Gates.
The demonstration, which began at the West Gate and ended at the East Gate, sought to highlight the urgent need for improved road safety measures to protect students, staff, and community members who frequently use these busy entry points. Addressing the media and protesters at the start of the march, Dr. Jerry Opoku Ansah, President of UCC UTAG, expressed serious concern over the growing number of road accidents on campus.
“These accidents not only endanger lives but also disrupt the academic environment that we strive to maintain,” Dr. Ansah emphasized.
He further disclosed that UTAG is seeking formal clearance from the Ghana Police Service to stage a larger protest on Monday, June 30, 2025, if immediate action is not taken.
“Our goal is simple: to make our roads safer before more lives are lost,” he added.
Prof. Peter Kojo Grant, Head of the Department of Classics and Philosophy, and Cape Coast Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) Hon. George Justice Arthur lauded UTAG for its peaceful and proactive approach.
“As a lecturer and a resident of this municipality, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers posed by unchecked traffic around these gates,” Prof. Grant remarked. “Unfortunately, when you are law-abiding, your voice often goes unheard. If no action is taken, people will be compelled to take matters into their own hands to ensure these roads are fixed.”
The UCC Students’ Representative Council (SRC) also threw its full support behind the protest. Norman Badu, President of the SRC, made a heartfelt appeal: “Too many of us have lost friends and classmates to these roads. It’s heartbreaking,” Norman stated. “We are pleading that something be done immediately. It is action we want to see before next week; else we will be forced to take action into our own hands.”
Hon. George Justice Arthur, the MCE for Cape Coast, commended UTAG for organizing a peaceful demonstration and assured the gathering of his personal commitment to resolving the issue.
“Knowing my duty as MCE, I have taken note of all your concerns,” Hon. Arthur said. “I am an action man, and I promise that by next month, the road will be fixed. I will urgently call for a meeting with the Urban Roads Director, UTAG President, and the SRC President to address this matter. What is happening in Cape Coast is unacceptable and cannot continue under my watch.”
He further revealed that the Ghana Highways Authority has a major road expansion project in the pipeline but assured that in the interim, immediate steps will be taken.
“While we wait for the major construction, I will impress upon the relevant institutions to take the bull by the horns and ensure that work on these roads begins in no time,” he pledged.
The protest ended peacefully at the East Gate, with demonstrators holding placards that read, “Protect UCC Lives,” “Fix Our Roads Now,” and “It Could Have Been You.” UTAG and its partners remain resolute in their call for swift and decisive action to prevent further loss of life on the university’s roads.
