Enough of the carnage on our roads

The grim state of road safety in Ghana demands immediate and sustained action, moving beyond perfunctory expressions of concern that often follow major accidents. The latest accident in Ofankor, which resulted in 11 fatalities and 13 injuries, serves as a stark and painful reminder of the vulnerability of road users in the country.

Alarming statistics from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reveal that 2,994 people were killed in road crashes in 2025, the highest number recorded in 35 years. An additional 16,714 individuals sustained injuries. The first four months of this year alone saw 1,009 fatalities nationwide. These figures underscore the urgency with which road safety must be treated as a national emergency.

The Ghanaian Times supports renewed calls from various stakeholders, including road safety experts, civil society organizations, and the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), for the rigorous enforcement of road traffic regulations. Persistent issues such as speeding, dangerous driving, and the increasing presence of motorcycles and tricycles on major highways cannot be overlooked. Stronger monitoring of driver behavior is also essential.

Professor Duah Agyemang's proposal for an immediate ban on two- and three-wheeled motorized vehicles on major highways warrants serious consideration, particularly given the risks associated with tricycles operating in high-speed lanes. However, any such restriction must carefully consider the livelihoods dependent on these vehicles, avoiding the creation of new social and economic problems. Alternative solutions, like dedicated lanes for these vehicles as proposed by Lead Resource Centre, should also be examined to reduce conflicts with other road users.

Furthermore, the PCG's call for strict enforcement of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519), demands urgent attention. The effectiveness of laws hinges on consistent enforcement. Strengthening highway patrols, enforcing speed limits, and ensuring commercial drivers comply with safety requirements are critical. The suggestion of a dedicated Mobile Police Unit for highway patrols should also be assessed. Beyond enforcement, improving road infrastructure, such as expediting dualization projects and ensuring the quality of road construction, is vital to addressing the systemic issues contributing to road fatalities.