NRSA warns of rising road deaths in Ashanti Region as crashes hit alarming levels

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has raised alarm over a sharp increase in road traffic fatalities and injuries in the Ashanti Region, describing the trend as deeply troubling and preventable.

Statistics compiled by the Authority reveal that 441 people have lost their lives, while more than 4,000 others have sustained injuries in road crashes between January and September this year.

According to the Ashanti Regional Assistant Planning Manager of the NRSA, Samuel Adu Gyimah, the spike in casualties is largely due to weak enforcement of traffic rules and widespread overspeeding. He made the remarks during a DVLA stakeholder engagement on the rollout of new number plates in the region.

“Road deaths are rising because enforcement remains weak. We hope that with intensified education, especially through our media partners, people will begin to value life more than gold,” he said.

Mr Gyimah identified speeding as the leading cause of severe injuries and fatalities, urging motorists to strictly observe speed limits, particularly in densely populated or high-traffic areas.

He also cautioned drivers against fatigue, one of the region’s most persistent risk factors.
“In the Ashanti Region, overspeeding and fatigue are major contributors to crashes. Many long-distance travelers pass through the middle belt of the country already exhausted, and this leads to deadly mistakes on the road,” he explained.

The NRSA says it is working with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and other partners to step up enforcement and public education. Offenders, it warned, will face prosecution.

Passengers have also been encouraged to speak up against reckless driving.
“Passengers must be bold. If a driver is doing something dangerous, speak out before it’s too late,” Mr Gyimah advised.

The National Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Nana Nimako Bresiama, added a cautionary note as the festive season approaches.
“You cannot make all the money in one Christmas. Drive safely so that passengers can get home alive,” he urged, warning that the holiday rush typically brings busier roads and greater risks.