The Volta Region of Ghana road safety remains a significant concern as the region witnessed an alarming increase in road crashes and fatalities throughout the year 2023 compared to the previous year.
According to Madam Joana Fafa Ayer, the Volta Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority, a total of 427 road crashes were reported from January to December 2023, marking a notable rise of 15.7% from the 369 crashes recorded within the same period in 2022. June emerged as the month with the highest number of crashes, totalling 47, closely followed by December with 44 reported incidents. Conversely, April saw the lowest number of crashes at 25.
The data further reveals that 705 vehicles were involved in these crashes, with motorcycles contributing the highest percentage at 37%, followed by private vehicles at 33%, and commercial vehicles at 30%. Tragically, the crashes resulted in 127 fatalities, representing a staggering 51.2% increase from the 84 fatalities reported in 2022. Commercial vehicles accounted for 50% of the fatalities, followed by motorcycles at 37%, and private vehicles at 13%. September recorded the highest number of fatalities, claiming 32 lives, while April saw the lowest fatality count with only one death.
Moreover, the region reported 431 injuries resulting from these crashes, with December registering the highest number of injuries at 68, while February recorded the lowest at 19. Additionally, there were 101 reported cases of pedestrians being knocked down, resulting in 33 deaths and 68 individuals sustaining varying degrees of injuries.
Madam Ayer attributed the surge in road crashes to non-compliance with road safety protocols by both drivers and pedestrians. She reiterated her agency's commitment to intensifying awareness-raising efforts through various channels to ensure adherence to safety precautions and mitigate the situation. She emphasized the importance of collective action from all stakeholders in safeguarding lives on the road and urged citizens to exercise caution and refrain from engaging in activities on the road shoulders that could jeopardize their safety as well as that of others.
In conclusion, the concerning rise in road crashes and fatalities underscores the critical need for concerted efforts to promote road safety and prevent further loss of lives on the roads of the Volta Region.
