The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has announced that, in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service, it will deploy officers from the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) along with Road Safety Inspectors on all major roads nationwide, effective November 1, 2024.

According to NRSA, this is to ensure a reduction in crashes, injuries, and deaths and strict compliance with road traffic regulations and road safety operational standards.

In a press statement on Thursday, October 17, the Authority expressed deep worry about the rising incidents of road traffic crashes over the past few weeks.

It stated that these crashes have resulted in the death of 30 persons and many injuries within a space of one month. 

The Authority said it finds this unacceptable given the increased public education on the risks associated with road use and operational controls required of commercial road transport companies and unions.

The statement noted that preliminary investigations by the Ghana Police Service and the NRSA revealed excessive speeding, parental irresponsibility, and reckless driving as the main contributing factors to the crashes. 

“This notwithstanding, the NRSA intends to commission a multi-stakeholder investigation into the crash occurring in Kwapia near Obuasi, under Regulation 8 of the National Road Safety Authority Regulations 2022 (L.I.2468). 

“While these crashes are unrelated to political activities, the Authority wishes to remind Political Parties of the road safety risk associated with electioneering campaigns and the need to observe the Road Safety Code for Political Parties as the electioneering activities reach their peak in the coming weeks,” part of the statement read.

In light of this, the Authority has directed all commercial road transport operators (both passenger and goods), transport departments and units of public agencies and private organizations, including school bus services and ride-hailing service operators, yet to register their operations with the Authority to ensure compliance or face sanctions prescribed by the National Road Safety Authority Act, 2019 (Act 993) or National Road Safety Regulations, 2022 (L.I.2468). 

“All inter-city passenger (long-distance) commercial road transport companies, unions, or operators must ensure the implementation of prescribed road safety standards and controls, including pre-departure checks, passenger manifest, speed control, and driver tracking among others. 

“All persons or individuals operating commercial passenger and goods services, known as “floating” or ‘waa-waa’ should take steps to regularize their operations by registering with a recognized commercial transport union or company by March 31, 2025. Further, the Authority wishes to remind parents and guardians that the legal age for driving in Ghana is eighteen (18). Consequently, parents and guardians should show interest in the safety of wards as road users,” the statement added.