The Director of Research, Education and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, has described the rising rate of road accidents in Ghana as a “pandemic.”
He is urging relevant authorities to adopt pragmatic measures to curb the menace.
Speaking to Oyerepa FM’s Okogyeabour Ocran, Supt. Obeng lamented the deplorable state of Ghana’s roads, which he said is a major factor behind the increasing number of fatalities.
According to him, many accidents occur when drivers attempt to dodge potholes, often leading to head-on collisions due to the narrow nature of the roads.
Alarming Statistics
Recent data released jointly by the Police MTTD and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) shows a sharp rise in crashes, injuries, and deaths. Between January and June 2025 alone, 14,476 crashes were recorded, leaving over 8,000 people injured and 1,817 dead. The report also highlighted that 1,301 pedestrians were knocked down within the same period.
This represents a significant increase compared to figures from 2024, sparking public outcry and criticism of successive governments for failing to address the crisis.
Supt. Obeng further questioned why almost all major trunk roads leading to Accra are currently under construction, stressing that the slow pace of these projects worsens the situation and poses additional risks to road users.
Road Safety Education
Touching on driver education, Supt. Obeng expressed concern about the low levels of road safety awareness in Ghana. He noted that Regulation 125 of Ghana’s Road Safety Laws mandates the National Road Safety Authority to provide periodic training for drivers.
However, he said this provision has not been effectively enforced, contributing to the surge in accidents.
He warned that without strict enforcement and consistent driver education, the carnage on Ghana’s roads will continue to escalate, deepening fears and insecurity among the public.
Source: Oyerepafmonline.com/ Okogyeabour Ocran
