Scores of Ghanaians in the capital, Accra, today defied police orders against demonstrating over the absence of footbridges on some roads which they say has resulted in fatal accidents.

The residents of Madina and Adentan suburbs carried placards, sang, drummed and danced during the protests.

Last week, a first-year female student from the West Africa Senior High School (Wass) was killed on the spot by a speeding vehicle while crossing the Madina-Adentan Highway.

Residents, outraged by her death, blocked the highway, burnt tyres and threw stones at the police who tried to disperse the crowd.

Last week, officials said that work on six footbridges will start this week. Residents said if the government does not meet its promise it will incur their wrath.

Most roads in Accra are in a terrible state and contribute to fatal accidents.

At least 1,000 deaths have been recorded since the start of the year. In February, dancehall star Ebony Reigns died in a road crash aged 20.