By Jones Anlimah
Figures from the Volta Regional office of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) indicate mixed trends in road traffic crashes in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025. The region recorded an increase in total road traffic crashes (RTCs) in 2024 compared to 2023, despite a significant reduction in fatalities and injuries.
According to data released by the NRSA, a total of 525 road crashes were recorded in 2024, up from 427 in 2023—representing a 22.95% increase. Similarly, the number of vehicles involved in crashes rose by 23.26%, from 705 in 2023 to 869 in 2024. However, there was a 29.92% reduction in the number of persons killed, dropping from 127 in 2023 to 89 in 2024. Injuries also decreased by 2.78%, from 431 to 419 cases.
The Ho Division recorded the highest number of crashes and casualties, attributed to heavy vehicular traffic within the regional capital. The division registered 263 crashes involving 429 vehicles, with 37 deaths and 151 injuries.
In the first quarter of 2025, the region recorded 124 crashes involving 201 vehicles, resulting in 28 deaths and 142 injuries. Although the number of crashes and vehicles involved decreased slightly by 2.4% compared to the same period in 2024, fatalities rose by 40%, and injuries surged by 52.7%.
Motorcycles were the leading category of vehicles involved in crashes, accounting for 49% of all vehicles in the first quarter of 2025. Private vehicles, however, saw a 22.4% decline compared to the same period last year.
The Ho Division again topped the divisional statistics for the first quarter of 2025 with 58 crashes, 11 deaths, and 46 injuries. Other divisions such as Keta, Tongu, Ketu, Hohoe, and Kpando also recorded notable incidents.
The Volta Regional Office of the Authority has announced intensified #StayAlive campaigns, including enforcement activities, community outreach programs, terminal and passenger education, pre-departure vehicle checks, and stakeholder engagements across major towns and transport hubs in the region. The initiative aims to reduce carnage on the roads by targeting motorists, riders, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
The Volta NRSA’s efforts, led by Regional Director Joana Fafa Ayer, have been instrumental in achieving reductions in fatalities and injuries, despite the rise in crash occurrences.
