National Road Safety Commission warns of rising road deaths

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has raised alarm over a worrying surge in road traffic deaths and injuries in the Ashanti Region, describing the trend as a major threat to public safety.

According to new figures compiled by the Authority, the region recorded 441 deaths and more than 4,000 injuries from road crashes as of September this year, making it one of the hardest-hit parts of the country.

Ashanti Regional Assistant Planning Manager at the NRSA, Samuel Adu Gyimah, attributed the spike to poor compliance with road safety regulations, reduced levels of enforcement, and widespread overspeeding among motorists. He shared the concerns during a stakeholder forum organised by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) as part of the rollout of new vehicle number plates in the region.

Mr. Adu Gyimah said the growing numbers are a reflection of the urgent need to strengthen law enforcement on the roads.
“Yes, the numbers are increasing because of lack of enforcement in the region, but we hope that with the messages we are sharing through our media partners, people will start valuing life more than gold,” he said.

He identified overspeeding as one of the leading contributors to fatal crashes, stressing that motorists must take posted speed limits seriously, especially in densely populated spaces and accident-prone corridors. He added that fatigue is emerging as a major risk factor, particularly for long-distance drivers.

“In the Ashanti Region, overspeeding and fatigue are major causes. Many travelers pass through the center of Ghana on their way north or south, and by the time they reach the middle of the country, they are already exhausted,” he explained.

To curb the rising fatalities, the NRSA is collaborating with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and other partners to increase enforcement visibility, intensify roadside checks, and scale up public education campaigns. Mr. Adu Gyimah warned that motorists who violate traffic rules will be prosecuted, and stressed that passengers also have a critical role to play.

“Passengers should speak out when the driver is doing something that may cause accidents,” he urged, calling for community involvement in policing the roads.

National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Nana Nimako Bresiama, added his voice to the appeal, particularly as traffic volumes rise during the Christmas and New Year season. He advised drivers to prioritise caution over profit.
“You cannot earn all the money you need in a short period, so drive safely and ensure passengers reach their destinations unharmed,” he said.

The NRSA says it will continue to push for stronger enforcement, improved driver behaviour, and heightened public awareness to reduce preventable deaths on Ghana’s roads.