By Ashiadey Dotse
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has reported that 1,937 people died in road crashes between January and August this year.
The report also revealed that 10,957 people were injured in 9,626 accident cases involving 16,348 vehicles. These included 5,515 commercial vehicles, 6,647 private vehicles, and 4,186 motorcycles.
Acting Director-General of the NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, disclosed these figures when Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, toured the Authority’s offices to learn about its operations.
Mr Amaliba said speeding was the main cause of the crashes, accounting for more than 80 percent of cases. He added that indiscriminate pedestrian activity, hawking on roads, and poor road design and maintenance also contributed to the accidents.
He explained that the Authority is seeking amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations (LI 2180) to ensure faster removal of broken-down vehicles and to push for the automation of traffic enforcement to reduce speeding.
The NRSA also plans to strengthen road safety education at the metropolitan, municipal, and district assembly (MMDA) level, while improving motorcycle safety by promoting the use of helmets and protective gear.
However, Mr Amaliba highlighted challenges such as inadequate funding and delays in replacing staff who have left the Authority. He appealed for government support to address these gaps.
Deputy Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey praised the NRSA for its efforts and assured the Ministry’s commitment to help reduce road crashes.
As part of her tour, the Deputy Minister also visited the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
At the GRDA, Acting Chief Executive Dr Frederick Apoh announced that railway operations between Tema and Mpakadan will begin on 1 October 2025. He said ongoing rail projects, including the Tema–Nsawam and Takoradi–Nsuta lines, would create jobs for the youth.
Additionally, the Acting Chief Executive, Julius N. Kotey, revealed that a new sticker system had increased sticker issuance from 2,000 to 12,000. He also disclosed that all vehicle number plates will be replaced in 2026 to meet international standards.
Madam Affo-Toffey assured both agencies of the government’s support to improve their services and contribute to national development.
