Bolgatanga: The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has engaged transport union leaders, enforcement agencies, and emergency responders in the Upper East Region aimed at strengthening defensive driving practices and reducing road traffic crashes.
According to Ghana News Agency, the engagement, held in Bolgatanga, brought together stakeholders including the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the Ghana Highway Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the National Ambulance Service, among others, to deliberate on practical measures to improve road safety in 2026.
Mr. Eric Anokye Fordjour, Acting Regional Head of the NRSA, said the meeting was backed by Article 3 (1a) of the Road Safety Act 993, which mandates the Authority to collaborate with the DVLA, road agencies, enforcement bodies, crash emergency response institutions, and transport service providers to reduce road crashes, injuries, and deaths.
Fordjour noted that road transport is crucial to national development, serving as a major employment source and primary means of moving people and goods across the country. He pointed out that despite its economic contributions, road transport also leads to significant human capital loss due to crashes.
Mr. Fordjour highlighted a reduction in road crashes in the region in 2025 compared to 2024, but expressed concern over the casualty figures. Data showed that from January to December 2025, 96 road traffic crashes involving 164 vehicles were recorded, resulting in 195 casualties, 64 deaths, and 131 injuries. This marked a decrease in reported cases, injuries, and deaths compared to 2024.
Motorcycles were responsible for the highest number of deaths, with 50 fatalities, while commercial and private vehicles recorded seven deaths each. In total, 110 motorcycles, 32 private vehicles, and 22 commercial vehicles were involved in crashes during the period.
March recorded the highest fatalities, with 14 deaths, representing 21.88% of the total. Mr. Fordjour attributed most crashes to overspeeding and reckless driving or riding, citing MTTD data.
He urged transport union managers to ensure regular vehicle maintenance, enforce discipline among drivers, discourage the use of unapproved lights, avoid placing luggage at emergency exits, and cooperate with NRSA officials during terminal inspections.
Inspector Leo Tagborlo, Lead Accident Investigator at the Regional MTTD, expressed concern over political interference in road traffic enforcement, noting that some offenders resist arrest by calling influential persons to intervene.
Mr. Shamsu Deen, Regional Maintenance Manager of the Ghana Highway Authority, discussed infrastructural and budgetary constraints affecting road maintenance and cautioned against the indiscriminate construction of speed humps without proper engineering design.
Mr. Azudaa R. Atandigre, Regional Director of the National Ambulance Service, emphasized the importance of responding promptly to road traffic crashes, underscoring the critical role of the 'golden hour' in saving victims.
Mr. Andrews Tetteh, a transport operator with Metro Mass Transit, called for strict enforcement against unauthorized speed ramp construction and urged authorities to prioritize regular road maintenance to prevent accidents.