Across many Ghanaian communities, an alarming and deadly practice is fast taking root, the construction of illegal speed bumps on public roads. What began as a community-led attempt to curb reckless motorbike riding has now become a major public safety hazard, claiming lives, injuring riders, damaging vehicles, and even killing animals.
Indeed, the menace of irresponsible riding, especially among young motorcyclists, cannot be ignored. Many of these youth ride through towns at dangerous speeds, paying little attention to pedestrians or traffic regulations. Some even go as far as stripping their motorbikes of essential parts — removing headlights, exhaust pipes, and sometimes even brakes and still ride freely during the day. Their actions have led to countless avoidable accidents and community outrage.
In a desperate attempt to stop this recklessness, some residents have taken the law into their own hands by erecting speed bumps without authorisation. But while their intention may be noble, the results are tragically ironic. These self-made humps are now killing and maiming more people and animals than the very reckless riding they sought to stop.
Most of these unauthorised speed bumps are constructed haphazardly — too high, too steep, and often without any warning signs. In some cases, residents attempt to mark them with makeshift indicators such as red rags tied to sticks, placed too close to the bump or at the wrong location. These do little to alert approaching drivers or riders.
The consequences are horrifying. A rider who uses a particular route safely in the morning may return later in the day to find new bumps suddenly erected, unseen and unannounced. Many have been thrown off their bikes, sustaining broken limbs, head injuries, or worse. Cars have been damaged, passengers injured, and livestock killed in similar incidents.
Beyond the loss of lives and injuries, these illegal humps also cause serious damage to our roads. In many cases, they break the surface of tarred roads, creating cracks and potholes that deteriorate over time. The government is then forced to spend scarce public funds to repair these damaged sections — money that could have been used for other pressing development needs.
Communities need to understand that constructing such bumps without approval from the Department of Urban Roads or the District Assembly is illegal. The Road Traffic Regulations clearly mandate that all speed-calming devices on public roads must meet approved engineering standards and be installed only after proper assessment and authorisation.
District Assemblies, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and the Department of Urban Roads must move quickly to address this growing threat. Unauthorised humps should be identified and removed immediately, and community members should be educated on lawful and safer ways to manage road safety concerns.
Protecting lives is a collective responsibility, but it must be done within the bounds of the law. By erecting these unapproved structures, communities are not solving the problem, they are worsening it. What was meant to save lives is now claiming them.
If this dangerous trend continues unchecked, our roads, especially in rural and peri-urban areas will remain death traps, littered not only with illegal humps but with the pain and loss they continue to cause. The time to act is now.
Ghanaians are watching!
FAB’s Gist
Abu Abraham Kalaa
Oct 19, 2025 11:06 pmIt is a bad practice and the nation must put a stop to it to save more lives and the nation scares resources.
Pius Zinenoba
Oct 20, 2025 12:30 amWhat makes it more catastrophic is when such ramps are done at curves where motorists and drivers barely see. Infact actions must be taken promptly.