Accra: Mr Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has assured the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) of the government’s commitment to resolving its operational challenges to boost road safety enforcement across the country. During a visit to the NRSA’s headquarters in Accra, Mr Nikpe acknowledged the difficulties faced by the Authority, including issues related to funding, logistics, and human resources.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister emphasized the necessity of providing the NRSA with the means to become fully operational, thereby empowering the Authority to effectively carry out its mandate. He highlighted the financial constraints imposed by the capping of the NRSA’s funds, which had hampered its capacity to generate revenue and recruit necessary staff. Mr Nikpe pledged to engage with relevant authorities, such as the Ministry of Finance, to address these financial challenges.
Mr Nikpe also acknowledged the shortage of operational vehicles, which has impaired the NRSA’s ability to monitor road safety compliance effectively. He assured that discussions were ongoing to find solutions to the Authority’s office space constraints. Furthermore, he encouraged the NRSA to collaborate closely with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to enhance road safety campaigns and law enforcement.
Mr Abraham Amaliba, Director General of the NRSA, outlined the Authority’s pressing concerns, including staffing shortages due to financial clearance constraints and the irregular release of funds from the Road Fund. He stressed the need for sustained financial support and effective policy enforcement to ensure robust road safety regulation.
The Director General also highlighted the challenge of retaining staff due to uncompetitive salaries, which has resulted in high attrition rates. He called for financial clearance to enable the recruitment and maintenance of a sufficient workforce. Additionally, Mr Amaliba revealed that the NRSA had not received new operational vehicles in over five years, complicating road safety monitoring and enforcement efforts.
Addressing the issue of commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations, Mr Amaliba reiterated the government’s intention to legalize them, emphasizing that the safety of riders and road users would be a top priority. He mentioned that the Authority is developing a training manual for Okada riders and identifying suitable working uniforms for them.
The NRSA staff voiced their full support for the Director General and committed to working diligently to enhance road safety. They also urged for attention to be given to regional offices to ensure that road safety officers nationwide have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.