Accra: The tragic loss of a University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) member and his Teaching Assistant on April 28th, 2026, in a road traffic accident underscores the urgent need to address road safety issues in Ghana. The accident, which occurred in Cape Coast, highlights the critical role of driver fatigue, speed limits, load security, and state responsibility in road safety.
According to Ghana Web, the UK Government has implemented stringent regulations to curb accidents resulting from driver fatigue. Regulation (EC) 561/2006 establishes strict driving hour rules for commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles with more than eight seats. These rules mandate specific driving limits, breaks, and rest periods to ensure safety. However, in Ghana, there are no such regulations, allowing drivers to operate vehicles for extended periods without rest, contributing significantly to road accidents.
The issue of speed limits is another pressing concern. In Europe, speed limiters are mandatory for commercial vehicles, ensuring adherence to safe speed guidelines. In Ghana, however, commercial drivers often disregard speed limits, leading to catastrophic accidents. The lack of state enforcement allows these practices to continue unchecked, posing a severe threat to road users.
Load security is equally problematic in Ghana. Unlike the UK, where both drivers and vehicle operators are held accountable for unsecured loads, Ghana lacks enforcement in this area. This often results in traffic obstructions and accidents due to spilled loads. The absence of mandatory twist locks for flatbed trailers carrying containers exacerbates the problem, leading to frequent and dangerous load spills.
State responsibility is crucial in mitigating these issues. The UK Government actively promotes road safety through adverts and public awareness campaigns. In contrast, Ghana's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) appears to lack effective measures to protect road users. The failure to regulate tyre inflation and vehicle weight further endangers lives, calling into question the NRSA's role in safeguarding public safety.
The Ghanaian government must enact laws to mandate speed limiters and secure load mechanisms to prevent the ongoing carnage on the roads. The need for comprehensive road safety measures is evident, and the responsibility lies with the state to implement and enforce these regulations to protect its citizens.