Accra: The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has advocated for the reinstatement of police presence on major highways across the nation to address speeding and reduce road accidents. This appeal comes in the wake of a devastating crash at Ofankor Barrier on Thursday, August 13, 2026, which resulted in the loss of 11 lives and left numerous individuals severely injured.
According to Ghana Web, Amaliba emphasized the need for officers from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) to be stationed, particularly in known accident hotspots, to deter motorists from speeding. In an interview with JoyNews, he stated, "Let's bring back the police, particularly at hotspots, to deal with speeding and road crashes. People are dying."
Amaliba explained that road crash hotspots are areas with frequent accidents, and the visible presence of police officers could significantly discourage reckless driving. "When drivers see a policeman there, they will lower their speed," he noted. He stressed the importance of combining enforcement with public education to enhance road safety.
He further highlighted that the absence of police on the roads has emboldened some drivers to overspeed, turning roads into virtual "Formula One tracks," thereby escalating the risk of fatal accidents. Amaliba has been persistently advocating for the police MTTD to resume patrolling the roads.
While acknowledging reports of police officers allegedly harassing and extorting drivers, Amaliba argued that such issues should not lead to a complete withdrawal of enforcement. He also mentioned the anticipated rollout of a traffic check system next year but stressed the urgency of taking immediate action to prevent further loss of life.