The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has raised concerns over the alarming increase in road traffic crashes across some regions in the country, including Central, Eastern, Ashanti, Volta, North-East, and Oti, in the past two weeks. These accidents have resulted in 27 deaths and 42 injuries, prompting widespread concern from the safety body.
While there had been significant progress in reducing road traffic crashes and casualties in the past three years, the recent surge in incidents is a cause for concern. The NRSA has emphasised the socio-economic impact these crashes have on affected families and the nation at large.
Preliminary reports
Preliminary reports from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) have pointed to common causes behind the crashes, including indiscipline on the roads. Key factors include excessive speed, wrongful overtaking, and the use of mobile phones while driving.
Condolences
Ag. Director-General of the NRSA, Abraham Amaliba Esq., expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and reiterated the Authority’s commitment to improving road safety. “It is particularly troubling that many of these crashes involve public service vehicles, which are expected to adhere to higher service delivery standards,” he said. “In the coming weeks, we will intensify our regulatory efforts, especially targeting commercial and public service vehicles, to minimise risks.”
Stakeholders
The NRSA is calling on all stakeholders, including road users, to actively participate in efforts to reduce road traffic accidents. Motorists have been reminded to adhere to speed limits of 90 Kilometres per hour on highways, 50 Kilometres per hour in urban areas, and 30 Kilometres per hour in settlement areas. Additionally, risky overtaking manoeuvres will not be tolerated, with violators facing arrest and prosecution by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service.
“The responsibility of road safety is a shared one, and we must all work together to ensure safer roads for everyone,”Mr Amaliba emphasised.
