The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is alarmed at the spate of deaths and injuries resulting from road accidents in the Ashanti Region.
Fresh data from the authority revealed about 441 deaths have been recorded as of September this year with over 4,000 road injuries in the region.
Ashanti Regional Assistant Planning Manager at the authority, Samuel Adu Gyimah, attributes the growing numbers to the lack of road traffic regulations and overspeeding in the region.
He spoke on the sidelines of a DVLA stakeholder engagement in the Ashanti Region on the new number plate roll-out.
Reacting to data on road accidents in the region, he said,
“Yes, the numbers are increasing, you know, because of lack of enforcement in the region, but we’re hoping that with messages that through our media partners we are giving out there, people will start thinking that life is more precious than gold.”
Mr. Adu Gyimah emphasized that speeding remains a major factor in the severity of injuries and deaths, urging motorists to observe posted speed limits, especially in busy areas.
He also added that fatigue is a significant risk, urging drivers to take regular breaks on long trips and avoid driving when tired.
He added that drivers often have no mandated rest stops, forcing them to push through despite exhaustion.
“In the Ashanti region it is basically because of overspeeding and fatigue. You know, all of the people travel through the center of Ghana before they go to the North or the South, and by the time they come from the North to the center, they are tired already,” he noted.
He said that the Authority is working with the Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and other stakeholders to intensify enforcement and sensitization efforts during this period, warning that offenders will be prosecuted.
Passengers are also encouraged to speak up or report drivers who drive recklessly.
“Passengers should speak out when they are in the car and find out the driver is doing something that may cause accidents,” he noted.
National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Nana Nimako Bresiama, has also advised drivers to be mindful as the roads will be busy during the festive period.
He admonished drivers to exercise restraint and safely navigate traffic, especially in towns and cities.
“You cannot earn all the money you need in a short period, so drive safely and deliver passengers to their destinations unharmed,” he said.
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