The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has reported that 1,937 people died in road crashes across Ghana between January and August 2025.
According to the report, a total of 16,348 vehicles were involved in accidents during the period, resulting in 10,957 injuries and 9,626 reported cases. The breakdown included 5,515 commercial vehicles, 6,647 private vehicles, and 4,186 motorcycles.
The figures were disclosed by Abraham Amaliba, Acting Director-General of the NRSA, during a tour by the Deputy Minister of Transport, Dorcas Affo-Toffey, to familiarise herself with the Authority’s operations.
Mr Amaliba identified speeding as the leading cause of crashes, accounting for over 80% of incidents, with many drivers exceeding limits in both rural and urban areas. He also pointed to indiscriminate pedestrian activity, such as hawking, alongside poor road engineering and maintenance, as major contributors.
The NRSA has proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations (LI 2180) to improve the removal of broken-down vehicles and has called for automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding.
Looking ahead, the Authority plans to intensify road safety education, integrate it into the work of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and continue efforts to improve motorcycle safety by encouraging the use of helmets and protective gear.
Mr Amaliba, however, expressed concern about inadequate funding for road safety programmes and appealed for government support to secure financial clearance for staff replacements.
Deputy Minister Affo-Toffey commended the NRSA for its work and pledged the Ministry’s commitment to tackling road crashes.
Her tour also included visits to the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
At the GRDA, Acting Chief Executive Dr Frederick Apoh announced that operations on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line will begin on October 1, 2025, while work continues on the Tema–Nsawam and Takoradi–Nsuta projects. He highlighted the rail network’s potential to create jobs for young people.
At the DVLA, Acting Chief Executive Julius N. Kotey revealed that the Authority’s new sticker system has increased issuance from 2,000 to 12,000, significantly boosting revenue. He further disclosed that by 2026, all vehicle number plates will be replaced to meet global standards.
Mr Kotey also noted that new systems have been introduced to improve efficiency at DVLA offices in Adenta, Bole, Dormaa, Bechem, and Asamankese, among others.
Mrs Affo-Toffey assured the agencies of government support to strengthen service delivery and enhance their contributions to national development.