Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has strengthened its collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), local assemblies and traditional authorities to address the growing number of motorcycle and tricycle crashes in its catchment communities.

As part of the intervention, the company officially launched the Asanko Ride Safe Campaign under the theme, "Ride Responsibly, Arrive Safely: Protecting Lives Through Shared Responsibility."

The initiative seeks to educate riders on responsible road use and traffic regulations, improve rider safety through greater visibility and awareness, and strengthen collaboration among communities, government institutions and the private sector in promoting safer roads.

Motorcycles and tricycles remain the primary means of transportation across the Amansie South, Amansie Central and Amansie West districts, serving both personal and commercial purposes. However, the widespread disregard for traffic regulations has resulted in frequent crashes, leading to injuries and loss of lives.

The situation has become a major concern for traditional authorities, the police, the National Road Safety Authority and local assemblies, with previous efforts to curb the trend yielding limited results.

Stakeholders have therefore welcomed Asanko Gold's intervention, expressing optimism that the campaign could provide a long-term solution to the recurring motorcycle and tricycle crashes in the various communities.

Speaking at the launch, the General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, Justice Fenteng, said responsible mining extends beyond producing gold safely to making meaningful contributions toward safer and more resilient communities.

"Responsible mining goes beyond producing gold safely. It also means contributing to safer, stronger and more resilient communities," he said.

Mr. Fenteng urged motorcycle and tricycle riders to always wear helmets, obey traffic regulations, ensure their motorcycles are roadworthy and remain visible at all times.

"On behalf of the Management of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited and our business partners, I reaffirm our commitment to working with all stakeholders to build safer roads and stronger communities," he added.

As part of the campaign, the company distributed more than 500 branded reflective safety vests to motorcycle and tricycle riders across its host communities.

Mr. Fenteng stressed that the campaign's success would not be measured by the number of reflective vests distributed but by the behavioural change it inspires, the accidents it helps prevent and the number of people who return home safely to their families.

The District Chief Executive for Amansie South, Benjamin Marfo, expressed concern over the recurring crashes involving motorcycles and tricycles in the area, lamenting the loss of lives.

He described the intervention as timely and said initiatives of this nature have the potential to provide a lasting solution to one of the district's major road safety challenges. He also commended the management of Asanko Gold for demonstrating commitment to the wellbeing of its host communities.

The Manso Nkwanta Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), DSP Timothy Nti, said his officers continue to face significant challenges in enforcing road safety laws, particularly because some victims of motorcycle and tricycle crashes fail to report incidents to the police.

He noted that the Asanko Ride Safe Campaign offers an important platform for the police to intensify public education on traffic regulations and measures needed to reduce crashes involving motorcycles and tricycles.

The riders who attended the launch welcomed the initiative and pledged to replicate the road safety education among their members while encouraging strict adherence to traffic regulations in their daily operations.