Enough of the carnage on our roads

The recent accident in Ofankor that left 11 people dead and 13 injured serves as a stark reminder of the alarming state of road safety in Ghana. The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reports that 2,994 individuals lost their lives in road crashes across the country in 2025, marking the highest number of fatalities in three decades.

During the first quarter of this year alone, 1,009 lives were claimed in similar incidents. These figures demand more than mere expressions of concern from the public. They demand decisive, ongoing action from all stakeholders.

Road safety experts, civil society organizations, and religious leaders have been calling for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations, citing speeding, reckless driving, and the growing use of motorcycles and tricycles as primary concerns. Professor Duah Agyemang's proposal for an immediate ban on two- and three-wheeled motorized vehicles on major highways warrants serious consideration, particularly given the dangers these vehicles pose, especially in high-speed lanes where they stop to pick up or drop off passengers.

However, any such restriction must be balanced with the livelihoods that depend on these vehicles, and practical alternatives must be explored.

The Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG) has also advocated for a dedicated lane for tricycles, motorcycles, and bicycles, suggesting that well-planned infrastructure could help reduce conflicts with other road users. Regardless, it is clear that enforcement of existing laws is crucial. The Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (LI 2519) must be strictly enforced to deter reckless behavior and protect lives.

Strengthening highway patrols, rigorously applying speed limits, and ensuring driver compliance with safety standards are essential steps that must be taken immediately.

Moreover, the government cannot overlook the importance of road infrastructure. The construction of the Accra-Kumasi and Accra-Takoradi dualization projects and associated bypasses must be expedited to provide safer alternatives for commuters. These projects must also meet high standards of quality and efficiency. Furthermore, the government should revisit its railway system, considering the PCG's call for its revival and expansion.

A reliable rail network could alleviate road congestion and offer a safer mode of transportation for both people and goods. Nevertheless, the immediate priority must be saving lives on the roads we currently have.

The Ghanaian Times appeals to the government, police, transport authorities, road agencies, driver unions, and motorists to collectively accept responsibility for road safety. Commercial drivers must abandon the notion of speed as a measure of efficiency, while passengers must refuse to condone reckless driving. The newspaper urges the government to prioritize road safety as a sustained national concern, enhance enforcement efforts, and address the pressing issues of dangerous roads and practices.

Every road death is one too many, and Ghana must act decisively before another family faces the heart-wrenching news that a loved one will not be returning home.