Mr. David Osafo Adonteng, the Acting Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has announced the implementation of revised road safety interventions, including the adoption of technology to fight road crashes in the country.
The authority plans to install cameras at vantage points and use vehicle tracking devices to monitor motorists on the road.
According to Mr. Adonteng, the adoption of technology is essential, and cameras will be fixed on major highways and selected locations to monitor red-light violators. Speed limiters and tracking systems will also be installed in all vehicles to curb overspeeding and detect wrongful overtaking.
Mr. Adonteng emphasized that overspeeding is a significant contributing factor to road crashes, prompting the introduction of these stringent measures.
He further stated that successful nationwide implementation of this road safety intervention technology will position Ghana as a country with success stories in road safety management.
The new NRSA Legislative Instrument empowers the authority to regulate passenger transport services in the country, aimed at reducing road accidents. Transport service operators will be licensed, and standards will be set for them to operate within.
Strict enforcement will be applied to vehicles and drivers violating road traffic regulations. Mr. Adonteng asserted that the authority will take a firm approach and not tolerate continued road crashes in the country.
Vehicles not fit for purpose and drivers without the requisite qualifications, such as a valid driver's license, will be barred from operating.
Mr. Adonteng revealed that the NRSA's road safety management interventions have contributed to a reduction in road accidents in recent times.
The first half of 2023 saw a decrease in road accident cases compared to the same period in 2022, with a 2.14% reduction in cases and a 16.99% reduction in vehicles involved in accidents.
Challenges related to riding without helmets and underage riding in the northern regions are gradually being addressed, leading to a decline in motorcycle-related road crashes.
The NRSA commended the Upper West Regional office for their efforts in improving road safety despite financial and logistical challenges.
Mr. Adonteng urged other stakeholders, including the media, to strengthen their activities to achieve the desired results in road safety management.
