Road traffic fatalities in Ghana rose sharply in 2025, prompting the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to intensify calls for tougher enforcement of traffic laws and greater responsibility among road users.
According to provisional figures, 2,673 people lost their lives in road crashes between January and November 2025, marking an 18.5 per cent increase compared with the same period in 2024. The worrying trend has cast a shadow over the start of 2026, with authorities warning that indiscipline on the roads remains a major threat to public safety.
Driver behaviour at the centre of the crisis
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency, Mr Henry Asomani, Deputy Director of Planning and Programmes at the NRSA, attributed the rising death toll largely to speeding, drink-driving, unlicensed driving and the use of unregistered vehicles.
He noted that these violations continue to dominate crash investigations, despite years of education and enforcement efforts.
“What the data is telling us is that unsafe behaviour is still widespread on our roads,” Mr Asomani said, stressing that reversing the trend would require consistent enforcement backed by sustained public education.
Enforcement paired with education
Mr Asomani explained that the Authority has moved beyond punishment alone, adopting an approach that combines routine enforcement with direct engagement of drivers and passengers.
As part of this strategy, NRSA officials have been visiting lorry stations nationwide, engaging commercial drivers during loading times to reinforce messages on speed limits, vehicle roadworthiness and responsible driving.
Private sector support for safety campaigns
The road safety drive has received support from corporate partners. Zen Petroleum funded the installation of safety billboards along key highways, including the Kumasi–Tamale corridor, while Guinness Ghana partnered the NRSA on drink-driving awareness campaigns, particularly during the festive season when alcohol-related crashes tend to rise.
The numbers behind the surge
Data from the National Road Traffic Crash and Casualty Situation Statistics Report paint a grim picture:
• 13,320 crashes recorded nationwide
• 22,532 vehicles involved
• 15,173 injuries, made up of
• 47% minor injuries
• 36% serious injuries
• 17% fatal injuries
• 2,312 pedestrians knocked down
Children were among the victims, with 296 fatalities involving persons under 18 years, while adults accounted for 2,377 deaths. Males represented about 80 per cent of those killed. The Ashanti, Eastern and Greater Accra Regions recorded the highest numbers of crashes, injuries and fatalities.
Road works contributing to risk
Mr Asomani also pointed to ongoing road construction projects as a contributing factor. He explained that congestion and delays often tempt drivers to speed once they clear construction zones, especially on routes linking the Western, Central and Northern corridors.
To address this, the NRSA is collaborating with the Ghana Highway Authority and road contractors to improve traffic management, enhance road signage and provide safer alternative routes where possible.
Reminder on speed limits
Reiterating the law, Mr Asomani reminded motorists that the maximum speed limit in Ghana is 100 km/h, while vehicles must not exceed 50 km/h in built-up areas. These limits, he said, are designed to allow drivers enough reaction time to avoid pedestrians and unexpected hazards.
“It is better to arrive late than to be caught in a crash, and better to be patient on the road than to become a patient in hospital,” he cautioned.
As Ghanaians move through 2026, the NRSA has appealed for collective responsibility, expressing hope that stricter compliance with traffic laws and safer road behaviour will lead to a significant reduction in road traffic deaths nationwide.
Source: Africa Publicity
