ACCRA, Sept 30 (The African Portal) – Ghana recorded 1,937 road deaths between January and August 2025, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) said on Tuesday, warning that speeding remains the leading cause of accidents.
The NRSA said 16,348 vehicles were involved in crashes during the period, which left 10,957 people injured. The cases included 5,515 commercial vehicles, 6,647 private cars and 4,186 motorcycles.
“Speeding was a major factor, accounting for over 80% of crashes, with many motorists exceeding speed limits in both rural and urban areas,” said Abraham Amaliba, the Authority’s acting director-general.
He also cited “indiscriminate pedestrian activity, such as hawking, alongside poor road engineering and maintenance” as key contributors.
Amaliba said the NRSA has proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations to improve the removal of broken-down vehicles and called for automated traffic enforcement to reduce speeding. He added that the Authority plans to step up road safety education, integrate it into the work of local assemblies and promote the use of helmets and protective gear among motorcyclists.
He also raised concerns about funding. “We face inadequate financing for road safety interventions and need financial clearance to replace staff who have exited,” he said, urging government support.
Minister’s tour
Deputy Transport Minister Dorcas Affo-Toffey, who toured the Authority’s offices, praised its efforts. “The Ministry remains committed to reducing road crashes,” she said.
Her tour also covered the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
At the GRDA, acting chief executive Frederick Apoh said operations on the Tema–Mpakadan railway line would begin on Oct. 1, while construction continues on the Tema–Nsawam and Takoradi–Nsuta routes. “The rail network will create new job opportunities for young people,” he said.
At the DVLA, acting chief executive Julius N. Kotey said a new sticker system had boosted issuance from 2,000 to 12,000, significantly raising revenue. He added that all number plates would be replaced by 2026 to meet global standards and that efficiency had been improved at DVLA offices in Adenta, Bole, Dormaa, Bechem and Asamankese.
Affo-Toffey assured the agencies of government support “to strengthen service delivery and enhance their contributions to national development.”
