The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) recently announced plans to construct a 300-meter walkway facility at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. The facility aims to improve the mobility and safety of visually impaired patients visiting the hospital, Ghana’s leading eye care facility.
The walkway facilities will be equipped with tactile paving and other accessibility features such as adequate lighting to assist visually impaired pedestrians in navigating the area independently. The decision to undertake the road safety enhancement works follows a request from George Lutterodt, a Radiologist at the centre, to reshape the design and features of the current walkway facility to best meet the needs of its intended users.
During an inspection tour, the Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Tawiah Sackey, emphasized the importance of creating inclusive environments for all categories of persons in the city to access essential healthcare services without facing unnecessary barriers. She announced that the construction will commence in the coming months, with the AMA collaborating closely with relevant stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the project.
The walkway is set to serve as a model of accessibility and inclusivity, setting a precedent for similar initiatives across the country. In addition to the walkway announcement, the Mayor highlighted the importance of prioritizing safety for all road users, particularly in areas with high pedestrian traffic such as hospital compounds. She urged drivers to reduce their speed when navigating hospital premises and to remain vigilant for pedestrians and other potential hazards.
Counsellor Lutterodt expressed appreciation to the Mayor for the support and for taking time to assess the challenge. He stressed the urgency of the situation, saying, “it’s dangerous for visually impaired individuals crossing the road and accessing the centre.”
The Korle Bu Eye Centre, also known as the ‘Lions International Eye Centre,’ is a modern specialist eye facility, constructed to serve as a West African regional surgical training facility. The centre provides various eye care services, including optometry and dispensing spectacles.
The upcoming construction of the walkway at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is a positive step towards creating a more accessible and inclusive environment for visually impaired individuals, contributing to the overall goal of improving healthcare accessibility and safety for all members of the community.
