Yaw Odoom, host of the television show Trotro Diaries, has blamed both drivers and passengers for the alarming rate of road accidents in Ghana, particularly on the Kumasi-Accra highway.

Speaking on the programme, Odoom criticised the reckless behaviour of some commercial drivers on the stretch. “Some drivers drive recklessly on the Kumasi-Accra highway, and I’m tempted to mention the names of some transportation companies, but I haven’t gotten there,” he said.

He added that passengers also contribute to the problem by putting pressure on drivers or staying silent when they drive dangerously.

Odoom urged passengers to speak up when drivers misbehave and support those who attempt to correct them.

“Some road accidents occur due to pressure from passengers,” he noted, encouraging commuters to prioritise safety over speed.

Guest Nene Williams from Stephen Driving School emphasised strict enforcement of traffic laws, regardless of a person’s status or position. He called for Ghanaians to become advocates for the law to ensure offenders face consequences. Williams also warned against jaywalking and offered safety tips for road users.

The discussion comes at a time when road crashes remain a major public health concern in Ghana. According to the National Road Safety Authority, more than 2,200 people died in road accidents in 2023, with the Kumasi–Accra highway recording some of the highest fatalities. Many of these incidents are linked to overspeeding, wrongful overtaking and non-compliance with traffic regulations.

Odoom ended the show by expressing condolences to the families of victims who died in a recent crash at Juaso.