The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG)- UCC Chapter together with other unions on the University of Cape Coast Campus have embarked on a peaceful protest in the form of vehicular convoy on Monday, June 23, 2025 to drum home the demand for Road safety Measures to safeguard lives on the Cape Coast-Takoradi highway stretch of the University.
The unions include the SRC-UCC, and UCC branch of the Teachers and Educational Workers Union (TEWU-UCC).
This protest dubbed #ITCOULDHAVEBEENYOU is in response to the worrying increase in vehicular accidents at the university’s gates, particularly the recent one at the UCC West Gate which claimed the life of a 19-year-old.
The protestors clad in red head and hand bands, riding in a line of vehicles, honked their horns and commenced at the UCC West Gate en-route to the University Hospital, culminating at the Campus Broadcasting Service (CBS/ATL FM) where a press conference was held.
Addressing the media after the protest, UCC UTAG President, Dr. Jerry Opoku Ansah indicated that the protest is in line with the Public Order Act 491 and aimed at raising awareness for the appropriate authorities to take urgent measures to curb the rate at which knock downs and road carnages occur on the highway stretch between the East and West Gates.
He added that protest convoy within the UCC Campus on June 23, is to raise awareness while awaiting clearance and permission from the Ghana Police Service to commence the main peaceful protest on 30th June, 2025 from the West Gate and end at the East Gate of the University.
SRC-UCC President, Abraham Norman Nortey stressed that students are not in need of lip service as they are most affected when drivers speed on that stretch of the highway.
He therefore noted that their solidarity with Unions is backed by timelines and action should be taken in within the next week.
In response, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of Cape Coast, George Justice Arthur, assured the gathering that their concerns had been heard.
“It is incumbent on me to prioritise your welfare,” he said. “I promise that within a month, or possibly even earlier, action will be taken.”
He committed to convening an emergency meeting with key stakeholders, including the Director of Highways and urban road authorities.
“Even as we await the planned expansion of the road, something must be done immediately,” he added.
The protest ended on a hopeful note, with student leaders expressing cautious optimism of promises recorded and a follow up to ensure delivery.
In a unified voice the protestors said “we are asking for action now, no more promises”
READ ALSO: Cape Coast Fatal Crash: UCC Hospital Confirms One Dead, Survivors Stable as Police Probe Ongoing
