The newly erected bus stop on the Accra-Tema Beach Road stands as both a practical amenity and a poignant memorial. The MO-AJ Foundation, driven by a commitment to road safety advocacy, built the structure near the Regional Maritime University in remembrance of Mark Ofosu-Ampadu Jr., five years after his tragic death. The location where the memorial bus stop now stands is a constant reminder of loss, hope, and a renewed sense of purpose. Christine Opoku Onyinah, Mark’s sister, passionately conveyed the Foundation’s mission: to ensure no more lives are senselessly lost due to preventable road accidents. Inspired by Mark’s values of compassion and service, the foundation hopes to transform grief into a public call for change. For them, Mark’s death should not be in vain, but rather fuel action and change to promote road safety.
Mark Ofosu-Ampadu Jr.’s death at the age of 29 exposed critical shortcomings in road safety, emergency response, and infrastructure. The accident, a preventable tragedy according to the MO-AJ Foundation, highlighted the urgent need for systemic improvements and greater accountability on Ghanaian roads. Inadequate road safety measures, such as poor signage, a lack of pedestrian crossings, and insufficient lighting, all contributed. The accident also revealed delayed and ineffective emergency response systems, hindering timely medical assistance, and substandard road infrastructure, including poorly maintained roads and inadequate safety barriers.
Established in 2021, the MO-AJ Foundation embodies Mark’s values: compassion, service, and a commitment to improving lives. Their mission is to advocate for road safety, support victims and their families, and influence public policy. According to Mrs. Christine Opoku Onyinah, the Foundation aims to prevent future tragedies by addressing systemic issues and promoting responsible road usage. Key initiatives include public advocacy, raising awareness about road safety issues and lobbying for policy changes; victim support, providing direct assistance to road accident victims and their families; and community initiatives, implementing projects that enhance road safety at the local level. “Mark’s death was not just a failure of infrastructure or systems; it was a failure of humanity,” said Mrs. Christine Opoku Onyinah.
The memorial bus stop serves both the Regional Maritime University and the local church community (PIWC Sakumono), providing a safe and convenient commuting point. It represents a tangible commitment to road safety and a lasting tribute to Mark’s memory. The bus stop acts as a daily reminder of the ongoing need for safer roads and responsible driving. The bus stop provides a designated waiting area, reducing pedestrian exposure to traffic. It also encourages the use of public transportation, potentially decreasing the number of vehicles on the road, and raises awareness through its memorial design and association with the MO-AJ Foundation’s mission. Christine Opoku Onyinah stated, “Until our roads are safer, until traffic laws are respected, until drivers choose responsibility—we will not rest.”
The commissioning ceremony saw community members, university representatives, church members, family, and friends come together in solidarity. Apostle Seth Kwame Fianko-Larbi offered theological reflections, emphasizing purpose and responsibility. Prophet James Osei Amaniampong (Rtd) dedicated the bus stop, with a ribbon-cutting by Mark’s parents. Ms. Shika Attipoe, Business and Development Manager of the Regional Maritime University, acknowledged the Foundation’s thoughtfulness and the bus stop’s benefits.
The MO-AJ Foundation’s memorial bus stop is more than just a structure; it is a symbol of resilience and a lasting tribute to Mark Ofosu-Ampadu Jr. It serves as a call to action for improved road safety. By addressing systemic failures and promoting responsible road usage, the Foundation strives to prevent future tragedies and honor Mark’s legacy. The commissioning of the memorial bus stop along the Accra-Tema Beach Road marks a significant step in the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to create safer communities and support those affected by road accidents, reinforcing the urgent need for collective responsibility in ensuring road safety for all.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE