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 figures highlight the alarming toll of road accidents, which remain one of the country’s leading public safety concerns.
According to the NRSA report, a total of 16,348 vehicles were involved in accidents, leading to 9,626 recorded cases and 10,957 injuries during the eight-month period.
Breakdown of Vehicles Involved
- 4,186 motorcycles
- 6,647 private vehicles
- 5,515 commercial vehicles
Causes of Road Accidents in Ghana
Speaking during a visit by Deputy Minister of Transport Dorcas Affo-Toffey, the Acting Director-General of NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, noted that speeding accounts for more than 80% of crashes nationwide. He added that:
- Many drivers in both rural and urban areas exceed speed limits.
- Pedestrian negligence, such as hawking on highways, contributes to crashes.
- Poor road engineering and lack of maintenance also heighten accident risks.
Road Safety Interventions Proposed
The NRSA has outlined several measures to improve safety, including:
- Amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations (LI 2180) to fast-track the removal of broken-down vehicles.
- Automated traffic enforcement systems to curb speeding.
- Strengthening road safety education through Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs).
- Promoting the use of helmets and protective gear to enhance motorcycle safety.
Mr. Amaliba, however, raised concerns about limited funding for road safety programs and urged the government to provide financial clearance to replace outgoing staff.
Deputy Transport Minister’s Assurance
Deputy Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey praised the NRSA for its work and reaffirmed the Transport Ministry’s commitment to reducing road crashes and strengthening road safety initiatives.
As part of her tour, the Deputy Minister also visited the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
Why This Matters
With nearly 2,000 road fatalities in eight months, Ghana’s road safety crisis continues to demand urgent interventions. The government’s collaboration with NRSA, DVLA, and GRDA will be critical in ensuring safer roads, efficient transport systems, and improved national infrastructure.
