Ahead of the Easter celebrations, the Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has urged both drivers and pedestrians to prioritize safety during the festive season.
Speaking in an exclusive interview, Mr. Amaliba emphasized that road accidents continue to claim more lives than many common illnesses in Ghana, underlining the urgent need for increased caution.
“In Ghana, you’re more likely to lose your life in a road crash than from an illness. For instance, someone suffering from malaria may survive the illness but lose their life in a road accident instead,” he explained.
With the Easter festivities expected to increase travel activity, Mr. Amaliba appealed to all road users to exercise vigilance. He particularly cautioned drivers undertaking round trips during the season to remain mindful of their safety.
“You only live once. The profit you’re chasing will still be there long after you’re gone. So it’s crucial to obey road safety rules—don’t drive when you’re tired, and don’t drink and drive,” he advised.
Mr. Amaliba also revealed plans by his office to propose the mandatory installation of speed governors, also known as speed limiters, on intercity vehicles as a measure to curb the rising number of road accidents.
“We’ve come to a point where, without implementing measures like speed governors, road accidents will only continue to increase. My message to drivers is simple: you live but once—drive safely, arrive alive, because your family needs you.”
Alarming Road Crash Statistics
Between January and March 2025, Ghana recorded 3,674 road traffic crashes involving 6,143 vehicles. These incidents resulted in 752 fatalities and 4,287 injuries, marking a 23.5% increase in deaths compared to the same period in 2024.
In 2024, the country witnessed 13,489 road crashes involving 22,975 vehicles, resulting in 2,494 fatalities and 15,607 injuries. This marked an increase in deaths and injuries compared to 2023, despite a decrease in the number of reported crashes.
By: Enyonam Haligah
