Ghana has recorded a concerning rise in road fatalities, with 1,817 lives lost between January and September this year — an 8.35% increase compared to the 1,677 deaths during the same period in 2023, according to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA). This tragic increase comes even as the total number of reported road crashes has declined, dropping to 9,820 incidents from 10,614 last year, representing a 7.48% reduction.
Pearl Adusu Sateckla, Public Relations Officer for the NRSA, shared these figures in a recent interview, expressing alarm over the heightened fatality rate despite fewer accidents overall. Sateckla emphasized the importance of obeying road traffic laws to prevent further loss of life.
In addition to the rising fatalities, road injuries also remain a significant issue. This year alone, 11,408 individuals sustained injuries in road crashes, slightly down from the 11,694 recorded last year. The NRSA also reported that 1,750 pedestrians have been struck in 2024, a slight improvement from the 1,847 pedestrian casualties in 2023.
The NRSA attributes the overall reduction in accident numbers to greater compliance with road regulations, as well as concerted efforts by the NRSA and its partners. However, the authority remains concerned about the persistently high death toll and is ramping up measures to enhance road safety as the country approaches the 2024 elections and the holiday season — two periods known for increased road usage and accident risk.
To bolster safety awareness, Sateckla announced the formation of district road safety management committees in all 16 regions of the country, with the initiative nearing 82% completion. These committees are expected to play a critical role in educating the public on road safety and enforcing regulations at the community level.
As road-related fatalities continue to climb, the NRSA’s call for vigilance has never been more urgent. Sateckla urged drivers and road users to exercise caution, respect speed limits, and adhere strictly to traffic laws to curb the death toll on Ghana’s roads.
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