Ghana's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has released sobering statistics for the first quarter of 2024, revealing that 156 people lost their lives in road accidents directly linked to traffic offences. The report highlights speeding, drunk driving, and reckless overtaking as the leading causes of fatal accidents.
According to NRSA Director General Mrs. Mary Boamah, the country recorded a total of 2,847 road accidents during the three-month period, resulting in 156 deaths and 3,234 injuries. This represents a 12 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.
The data shows that commercial vehicles, particularly taxis and trotros, were involved in 45 percent of fatal accidents, while private vehicles accounted for 35 percent, and motorcycles 20 percent. The Accra-Kumasi highway recorded the highest number of fatalities, with 34 deaths.
Speeding was identified as a factor in 58 percent of fatal accidents, while drunk driving contributed to 23 percent. Additionally, 19 percent of accidents involved drivers without valid licenses or driving vehicles with expired roadworthy certificates.
The Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) conducted intensive enforcement operations during the quarter, arresting over 45,000 drivers for various offences. However, Mrs. Boamah emphasized that enforcement alone is insufficient, calling for a cultural shift in road user behavior.