Prevalence of illegal speed humps on Ghana’s rural highways and their implication for road safety: a case study of selected trunk roads in Ghana

In Ghana, unauthorized speed humps are increasingly appearing on many main roads that run through rural communities, highlighting the residents’ concerns about the dangers of speeding traffic. This study examines the prevalence of illegal speed humps on Ghana’s trunk road network and their implications for road safety. Focused on settlements along 530.5 km of selected roads under the Ghana Highway Authority’s (GHA) jurisdiction in the Volta Region, the research established the prevalence, geometric characteristics, and materials used for these unauthorized installations. The methodology involved inventories of illegal humps and interviews with community opinion leaders and the Director of Road Safety and Environment at the GHA headquarters. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. The findings reveal a high prevalence of illegal humps, with rates ranging from 17% to 67% of settlements on surveyed roads. The humps are often constructed with unsuitable materials like gravel and sand, and typically exceed the GHA’s recommended standard height. The primary motivation for these installations stems from community concerns over speeding traffic and GHA’s failure to address requests for proper speed calming measures. The GHA should enhance community engagement to address safety concerns, establish a clear policy for removing illegal structures to protect motorists, and prioritize resource allocation for road safety in settlements to implement effective solutions.