Accidents on Ghana’s roads continue to be a significant concern, with recent statistics revealing alarming figures despite some improvements. According to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), from January to June 2024, a total of 6,653 road traffic crashes were reported, involving 11,283 vehicles across various categories including private vehicles, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, and cycles. Tragically, 1,237 fatalities were recorded during this period, with 7,561 individuals sustaining injuries.
Ms. Pearl Adusu Sateckla, the Head of Public Relations at NRSA, presented these figures during a media briefing in Accra on Monday, 22nd July 2024. She highlighted that although overall crash rates had decreased compared to the previous year, fatalities had seen a concerning 13% increase. She attributed this rise to factors such as wrongful overtaking and speeding, emphasizing that such behaviors significantly contributed to head-on collisions and increased crash severity.
The data further revealed that March 2024 registered the highest number of crashes with 1,145 incidents, whereas June reported the lowest at 1,044. Additionally, March also saw the highest number of fatalities, totaling 240 deaths. Pedestrian safety remains a critical issue, with 1,219 pedestrians being knocked down during the first half of 2024, marking a slight decrease from the previous year.
Private vehicles accounted for the majority of crashes at 43%, followed by commercial vehicles at 34%, with motorcycles comprising the smallest proportion at 23%. Efforts to improve motorcycle safety included collaborations with the Ghana Police Service and the formation of rider associations, coupled with educational initiatives and town hall meetings to raise awareness about responsible riding practices.
Regional disparities were also notable, with the Bono Region recording a significant 77.8% increase in deaths compared to the same period in 2023, while the Oti Region reported a 50% decrease in crash incidents.
Looking ahead, NRSA officials expressed concerns about the potential increase in road accidents during election years but assured measures were in place to mitigate risks. This included engaging political parties to adhere to road safety protocols during campaign activities.
Mr. Kwaku Dufour, a member of the National Road Safety Authority, stressed the broader impacts of road accidents on public health, social welfare, and economic productivity. He underscored the importance of collective responsibility among all stakeholders, urging continued efforts in road safety education, infrastructure improvements, and law enforcement to effectively curb accidents and save lives.
In closing, Mr. Dufour emphasized the necessity for rigorous evaluation of road safety programs to gauge their effectiveness and ensure ongoing improvements in road safety standards across Ghana.
Story by: Linda Yeboah
