Lawyer and Energy Analyst, Kwame Jantuah, has attributed Ghana’s persistent road safety challenges to a combination of poor driver training, weak law enforcement, and inadequate road infrastructure, drawing sharp comparisons between driving conditions in Ghana and those observed in countries such as the United Kingdom.
Speaking during a discussion on road safety, Mr Jantuah identified lane discipline as one of the most significant challenges on Ghana’s roads, describing how drivers, particularly those operating large trucks, frequently crossing lanes illegally without regard for other road users.
He noted that this problem is not unique to Ghana, but argued that the level of tolerance shown toward such violations locally sets the country apart from more disciplined road environments abroad.
Mr Jantuah explained that crossing between lanes without proper signalling is against the law, yet remains a common sight on Ghanaian roads, especially among heavy truck drivers whose abrupt manoeuvres often catch other motorists off guard.
“It’s against the law to cross lanes, but you see it happening, especially with big trucks, and when they are crossing, they switch so hard that you think, what is happening.”
Lawyer and Energy Analyst, Kwame Jantuah
He argued that such behaviour reflects a broader lack of understanding among drivers about the seriousness of operating a vehicle on public roads, suggesting that many motorists simply do not grasp the level of discipline required to drive safely, regardless of how clearly the rules are spelt out in traffic regulations.
Weak Police Presence Compared to Abroad
Drawing a contrast with his experiences driving in foreign countries, Mr Jantuah questioned the level of law enforcement typically present on Ghanaian roads, particularly around the scene of accidents. He noted that in many countries, police actively monitor vehicle speeds and are quick to respond to incidents, whereas similar visible enforcement is often lacking locally.
He described how some countries use technology such as accident warning lights positioned well ahead of hazardous stretches of road, alerting drivers to reduce speed before reaching the danger zone.
He also recalled an experience in London where a police vehicle led traffic at a controlled speed, with other drivers strictly following behind rather than overtaking, a level of compliance he suggested would be difficult to replicate on Ghanaian roads given the current culture around policing and driver discipline.
He explained that when he raised the issue with the offending driver, he was met with insults, and even when a passing police vehicle intervened, the officer’s response focused on clearing traffic rather than addressing the double-parking violation itself.
” we don’t even understand the principles of road safety.”
Lawyer and Energy Analyst, Kwame Jantuah
He used the anecdote to highlight what he described as a broader disconnect between road users and law enforcement officers when it comes to properly addressing traffic violations, suggesting that even when authorities are present, the underlying issue often goes unresolved.
Concerns Over Driver Training Standards
Mr Jantuah also raised concerns about the quality of driver training in the country, recounting an instance where he observed a learner driver failing to indicate before turning, despite being accompanied by an instructor.
He questioned whether learner drivers are being properly taught fundamental road safety practices, suggesting that gaps in training contribute directly to poor driving habits later on.
He linked this training gap to a wider economic reality, arguing that the difficulty of finding jobs in the country often means unsafe or poorly maintained vehicles remain on the road simply because their operation provides someone’s daily income, regardless of the safety risks involved to other road users.
Tricycles, Poor Vehicle Conditions, and Public Safety Risks
Mr Jantuah described the behaviour of tricycle operators near the Golf Course Road junction as terrible, noting that attempts to point out improper parking or unsafe driving practices are often met with hostility rather than correction.
He disclosed that many dilapidated vehicles remain on Ghana’s roads without adequate scrutiny, questioning why police checks on vehicle roadworthiness, including basic functions like lights, are not more rigorously enforced across the country.
He further raised concerns about poor street lighting, citing his own daily commute from West Legon as an example of a route with no functioning street lights, a situation he said increases danger for drivers, particularly when sharing the road with vehicles that lack proper headlights, especially during early morning hours.
Mr Jantuah contrasted the mental approach required for driving abroad with that needed in Ghana, explaining that while driving overseas often involves less concern about the behaviour of other road users, driving in Ghana demands constant vigilance and defensive awareness of surrounding vehicles to avoid accidents caused by others, a pressure he described as a defining feature of everyday driving in the country.
Questions Over Enforcement of Existing Technology
Turning to the use of traffic cameras across Accra, Mr Jantuah questioned their actual effectiveness, noting that despite their presence, enforcement mechanisms tied to the technology appear inconsistent or delayed.
He suggested that a more effective system could involve sending traffic violation notices directly to vehicle owners’ mobile phones, tying tickets to registered vehicle and driver information to improve accountability and enforcement speed.
He also raised broader questions about who bears responsibility for fixing these systemic issues, whether government, insurance companies, or other regulatory bodies, noting that many drivers involved in accidents simply repair their vehicles privately without any formal reporting or consequence, further weakening the overall culture of road safety accountability in the country and leaving the underlying causes of accidents largely unaddressed.
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