The Western Region recorded 2,800 road traffic crashes resulting in 465 deaths between January and November 2025, raising fresh concerns about road safety and enforcement as the festive season approaches.
The figure represents a sharp rise compared with the same period in 2024, when 1,119 vehicles were involved in reported crashes, according to regional police data.
Human Factors Dominate Crash Causes
Addressing a stakeholder forum on “Safe and Responsible Driving During the Festive Season” on December 23, the Western Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD), Superintendent Paul Bruce Amoah, said the overwhelming majority of accidents were caused by driver behaviour.
“Between January and November, we recorded 2,800 accidents with 465 fatalities. About 90 to 95 per cent of these crashes are due to driver error,” he said.
“This shows that human behaviour remains the biggest contributor to our road safety challenges.”
He identified drunk driving, excessive speeding and dangerous overtaking as the leading causes of crashes in the region. Despite ongoing public education, he noted that unsafe driving practices remain widespread.
Enforcement Constraints
The Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Frank Abrokwa, pointed to logistical limitations hampering enforcement, particularly in tackling drink-driving.
“The breathalyser devices we currently use are meant for health purposes and are not suitable for testing multiple drivers,” he said, adding that the police lack sufficient equipment for effective, large-scale enforcement.
Meanwhile, DCOP Desmond Owusu Boampong, Commander of the Western Central Police Command, criticised what he described as weak judicial penalties for drunk-driving offences.
“Even after we arrest offenders and secure convictions, some are fined as little as GHC30 to GHC60,” he said.
“Such penalties undermine enforcement efforts and discourage officers who are trying to keep the roads safe.”
Call for Policy Reform
Responding to the concerns raised, Western Regional Minister Joseph Nelson called for a stronger national road safety framework backed by adequate resources.
“It is clear that enforcement is constrained by limited logistics,” he said.
“We must improve the capacity of the police to detect and deter drunk driving.”
He also urged lawmakers to strengthen existing legislation to ensure stiffer penalties that serve as a real deterrent.
“The law must send a clear message that drinking and driving is unacceptable and will attract serious consequences,” the minister added.
Festive Season Warning
With traffic volumes expected to rise during the Christmas and New Year holidays, police officials urged drivers to exercise restraint and comply with road safety regulations to prevent further loss of life.
Source: Africa Publicity
