The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has confirmed that from January to August 2024, the total number of accident cases reported on Ghana’s roads was 8,653, and the total number of vehicles engaged in road traffic accidents is 14,654. Though the numbers are somewhat high, the authority explains that there has been a reduction in all indicators, except persons killed; which shows a 12% increase.
The NRSA details that the 4 regions that have had the most accidents from January to August 2024 are the Greater Accra Region, Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, and Central Region, and these 4 account for approximately 70-75% of the total number of road traffic crash cases. They added that the top 4 regions in the way of fatalities are the Ashanti Region, Eastern Region, Greater Accra Region, and Western Region, respectively.
The authority also noted the trend of road traffic crashes during the election period; delineating that for 20 years under review (2000-2020), there has been a steady decline in road traffic crashes. However, there have been spikes during election periods, especially from the month of August through to December through all indicators, including persons killed and persons being injured.
Road traffic crashes are known to be a public health concern in Ghana and cause significant economic cost to the nation. The NRSA are adamant that the only way for there to be tangible reductions in the crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Ghana’s roads is for there to be multi-stakholder engagement, and a strengthening of data collection mechanisms, to increase sensitization which will in turn lead to a change in attitudes.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Nana Amma Acquah
