The National road safety Authority (NRSA) has revealed that 1,937 people lost their lives in road crashes across Ghana between January and August 2025. The alarming statistics highlight the continuing challenge of road safety in the country and underscore the urgent need for stronger interventions.
According to the NRSA, a total of 16,348 vehicles were involved in accidents during the eight-month period, resulting in 10,957 injuries and 9,626 reported cases. The breakdown of vehicles involved showed 5,515 commercial vehicles, 6,647 private vehicles, and 4,186 motorcycles.
The data was presented by Abraham Amaliba, Acting Director-General of the NRSA, during a working visit by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey. The Deputy Minister toured the Authority’s offices to familiarise herself with its operations and assess its challenges.
Speeding Remains the Leading Cause
Mr. Amaliba identified speeding as the single most significant factor behind Ghana’s rising crash numbers, attributing more than 80 percent of incidents to drivers exceeding speed limits in both rural and urban areas. He also drew attention to indiscriminate pedestrian activity, including roadside hawking, which increases risks for both pedestrians and motorists. Poor road engineering and inadequate maintenance were further highlighted as contributing factors undermining road safety.
He said majority of road crashes are avoidable and speeding continues to account for over 80 percent of the incidents recorded.
Policy Proposals to Strengthen Road Safety
To address these challenges, the NRSA has proposed amendments to the Road safety Traffic Regulations (LI 2180) to improve the swift removal of broken-down vehicles, which often obstruct traffic and cause accidents. The Authority is also advocating for automated traffic enforcement systems as a means to curb speeding and improve compliance with road safety rules.
Looking ahead, the NRSA plans to intensify road safety education nationwide. This will include integrating awareness programs into the operations of Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs). Particular attention will be placed on motorcycle safety, with efforts to encourage riders to use helmets and other protective gear to reduce fatalities.
Despite these initiatives, Mr. Amaliba expressed concern about the lack of adequate funding for road safety programs. He appealed for increased government support and financial clearance to replace staff in order to boost the Authority’s operational capacity.
Government’s Commitment to Road Safety
Deputy Minister of Transport Dorcas Affo-Toffey commended the NRSA for its efforts and pledged government support to strengthen road safety initiatives. She emphasized that tackling road crashes remains a key priority for the ministry, given their devastating social and economic impact.
Her tour extended to other agencies under the Transport Ministry, including the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), where she received updates on ongoing projects and reforms.
Rail and Licensing Reforms Complement Safety Efforts
At the GRDA, Acting Chief Executive Dr. Frederick Apoh announced that operations on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line will commence on October 1, 2025. He also confirmed progress on the Tema–Nsawam and Takoradi–Nsuta railway projects, stressing the potential of rail expansion to create jobs for young people and ease pressure on road transport, which would in turn enhance road safety.
At the DVLA, Acting Chief Executive Julius N. Kotey disclosed that the Authority’s introduction of a new sticker system has increased issuance from 2,000 to 12,000, significantly boosting revenue. He further revealed that by 2026, all vehicle number plates will be replaced to meet global standards.
Mr. Kotey also announced efficiency improvements at DVLA offices in Adenta, Bole, Dormaa, Bechem, and Asamankese, aimed at streamlining service delivery. These reforms, he said, will help strengthen regulation and improve road safety outcomes.
Strengthening Institutional Support
Mrs. Affo-Toffey assured the NRSA, GRDA, and DVLA of the government’s commitment to providing the necessary support for them to deliver effectively. She emphasized that road safety is not just the responsibility of authorities but a shared national duty that requires the cooperation of drivers, pedestrians, and all road users.
The latest statistics from the NRSA serve as a stark reminder of the urgency of the situation. With nearly 2,000 lives lost in just eight months, stakeholders believe that scaling up education, enforcement, and infrastructure improvements is essential to reversing the troubling trend and safeguarding lives on Ghana’s roads.
