JoyNews on January 8 begins a compelling investigative feature series titled ‘Roads of Peril’, produced by Pearl Ofori, shining a spotlight on the dangerous state of road networks across Ghana and how human behaviour continues to worsen an already dire situation.
Across the country, thousands of commuters rely daily on roads riddled with potholes, eroded shoulders, failed drains and missing signage.
From busy urban corridors to remote rural routes, many of these roads have become death traps—contributing to frequent accidents, vehicle breakdowns and lost productivity.
The ‘Roads of Peril’ series goes beyond the visible damage to examine why roads in Ghana deteriorate far faster than expected. While poor construction and delayed maintenance remain major factors, the series reveals that everyday actions by road users and surrounding communities are also accelerating the decay.
Heavy trucks overload weak pavements, drains are clogged with refuse, and road shoulders are turned into markets, lorry parks or dumping grounds. In some cases, newly constructed roads—meant to decongest traffic or improve safety—are rendered ineffective within months due to poor usage, disregard for traffic rules and lack of enforcement.
The feature also highlights roads designed to solve long-standing problems but which now present fresh dangers. Medians meant to separate traffic are broken to create illegal crossings, sidewalks intended for pedestrians are overtaken by traders, and highways meant for smooth flow are slowed by unchecked roadside activity.
Through powerful storytelling, Roads of Peril amplifies the voices of those most affected—drivers who navigate treacherous stretches daily, pedestrians who risk their lives crossing unsafe roads, and residents cut off by collapsing links.
The series also engages city engineers, road contractors, transport unions and state authorities to demand answers on design flaws, supervision lapses and maintenance failures.
By placing responsibility not only on institutions but also on citizens, JoyNews hopes the series will spark a national conversation on road discipline, accountability and sustainable infrastructure use.
Roads of Peril premieres on JoyNews from January 8, with episodes airing on television and digital platforms, as the network reaffirms its commitment to public-interest journalism and safer roads for all Ghanaians.
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