The Executive Director of the Bureau of Public Safety, Nana Yaw Akwada has intimated that, the needed attention has not been given to issues relating to road safety in the country.
Speaking on the recent happenings with regards to the surge in road accidents,;he stated that Ghana as a country has failed woefully in the campaign against road accidents hence the rapid rise in road death toll.
“To a large extent,;we’ve not focused or paid the needed attention adequately on Road Safety as we should as a country. And that is why at the end of every year Ghana records excess of 2000 deaths through road crushes.”
Yaw Akwada
Mr. Akwada also expressed fear over the rate at which people have been killed through road accidents for the first two months of the year 2021.
He described the situation as repulsive; abhorring and overwhelming which needs swift measures to help heighten public education in stamping out or reducing road carnages.
Road Accident Statistics
He indicated that, according to the provisional statistics of Road Traffic and Casualty Situation for January and February 2021,;it indicates that 517 people have died through road accidents while 2,766 people have received levels of injuries.
Also, he said, the report indicates that 4, 332 vehicles including motorcycles have been involved in road accidents;resulting in 517 deaths as against 393 deaths recorded last year within the same two months period.
Commenting on this development, he further posited that it is so pathetic and upsetting that such huge numbers of strong and energetic people are dying every year yet less attention is given to the road safety sector as compared to other countries.
Mr Akwada asked the government to commit more resources into Road Safety;as well as introducing strong regulations and a system to avert the situation.
Moreover, he indicated that the leadership of National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) is progressively doing a great job. In terms of public education yet the effort is not reflecting on the road.
He was also of the view that until we hold leaders accountable by pasting pictures of people who have died through road accidents at their offices demanding robust changes in the system, they will do lip services and would not virtually work.
The Bureau of Public Safety boss urged the government to introduce pragmatic measures like; the introduction of stop fines and deepen highway patrol services in compelling drivers and road users to comply with the road safety regulations.
Road safety for Easter holidays
Also looking at road safety for the Easter holidays, the Ghana Police Service has disclosed that,;it will together with road safety partners ensure that, Police Officers will be present at mapped out traffic congestion and accident-prone areas.
Additionally, it said people who drive beyond speed limit; overload, drink and drive and indulge in such other traffic irregularities shall be arrested.
This the Service says is part of measures to ensure safety on the various roads during the activities that the celebration will be marked with.
Read Also: Police Service Outlines Enhanced Security Measures For Easter Festivities
