The Ghana Police Service has outlined measures to ensure smooth movement and safety at Friday’s state funeral for the victims of the helicopter crash incident on August 6.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, August 14, Director of Education and Training at the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, provided details on traffic management around the exclave of the Independence Square, where the ceremony will be held.
On the timing of the operations, he explained, “From today at midday, traffic police officers will be seen around this vicinity from this afternoon through the night and into tomorrow. The aim is to ensure there is a free flow of traffic for mourners, family members, and all who have anything to do with this occasion.”
Providing further details, he said traffic control would start at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow (Friday, August 15) from La, Labone, and Osu through Independence Square into the Central Business District.
He added that the plan is designed to be flexible, allowing for quick responses to congestion.
“We will ensure there is no congestion,” he stressed. “As and when we see traffic building up, certain diversions have been planned to assist both routine commuters and residents around Independence Square.”
Explaining the diversions, he noted that motorists on La Road would be redirected onto Oxford Street in Osu, when necessary, while drivers approaching Independence Square from Castle Road, the Ministries, Makola, or James Town could be rerouted via Castle Road to Independence Avenue through the National Theatre toward Kinbu.
On parking arrangements, he assured that there would be ample space for mourners and dignitaries.
“We have one of the biggest car parks reserved, with police officers to be deployed at the Agric Car Park outside the Black Star Square. We have parking for dignitaries at designated VIP and VVIP areas behind the Arch and the frontage of the State House. If there is a spillover, we have secured the Afua Switzerland area to support this service,” he added.
He also revealed that recovery trucks and towing vehicles would be on standby to clear any abandoned or broken-down vehicles that might obstruct traffic.
“Towing and recovery trucks will be on standby to remove any abandoned, disabled, or improperly parked vehicles in and around the event grounds. Vehicles obstructing traffic will be relocated to our office at Tudu, within the Central MTTD, for collection,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the burial ceremony of the two Muslim victims of the crash, former Minister for Environment Dr Ibrahim Muhammed Murtala and former Acting Deputy National Security Coordinator Alhaji Muniru Limuna Mohammed, was held at the forecourt of the State House on Sunday, August 10.
Those to be buried on August 15 include Dr. Edward Omane Boamah, Dr. Samuel Sarpong, Mr. Samuel Aboagye, Squadron Leader Peter Baafemi Anala, Flying Officer Manaen Twum Ampadu, and Sergeant Ernest Addo Mensah.
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