Road crash fatalities in Accra declined by 14% in 2023, marking the third consecutive year of reductions in reported deaths, according to the 2023 Accra Road Safety Report.
This was contained in the report, which was developed by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) with technical support from Vital Strategies, and launched on November 18, 2024, during the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims.
According to the report road traffic deaths dropped from 102 in 2022 to 88 in 2023 with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists—accounting for 82% of the deaths.
The report indicated that men constituted 85% of fatalities and 69% of serious injuries recorded within the year adding that high-risk crash locations included Opeibea Intersection on Liberation Road, Avenor Junction on J.A. Kufuor Avenue, and North Dzorwulu Intersection along the George Walker Bush Highway.
The Mayor of Accra, Elizabeth Kwatsoe Sackey, in a speech delivered on her behalf commended stakeholders for their efforts in improving road safety stressing that while the reduction in fatalities was encouraging, the data underscores the need for further actions to protect vulnerable road users.
“Our sacrifices towards road safety in Accra have paid off with a 14% reduction in deaths in 2023 compared to 2022. I applaud all stakeholders and institutions who have worked tirelessly to bring about this change. However, we cannot afford to rest on our laurels. The report shows that vulnerable road users accounted for a significant proportion of the deaths, and we must continue to work harder to safeguard them,” she said.
Mayor Sackey urged stakeholders to use the report as a guiding tool for developing, implementing, and evaluating road safety interventions.
“As we embark on the Second Decade of Action for Road Safety, it is critical that governments and stakeholders prioritize safety as a core value. This report provides data to guide our efforts and demonstrates our commitment to creating safer roads,” the Mayor emphasized.
Madam Sackey used the opportunity to urge road users to adopt safe practices, especially as the city approaches the election and Christmas season.
“Drivers must desist from drink-driving and reduce speeds. Pedestrians are also cautioned to use provided walkways and crossroads at designated crossings. Together, we can make our city safer for all,” she stated.
The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ing. David O. Adonteng, expressed concern over the rising incidence of road accidents in Ghana, calling on all stakeholders to intensify efforts to promote road safety advocacy.
He expressed gratitude to all stakeholders present, including doctors, road safety organizations, NGOs, the media, transport operators, and other collaborators, for their commitment to the program whilst acknowledging the police and engineers for their contributions to improving road safety.
Ing. Adonteng urged participants to become active advocates for road safety in their communities. He emphasized the importance of education, sensitization, and enforcement in reducing road crashes and fatalities.
“Let us preach road safety in churches, schools, and homes. Women, in particular, have an important role to play in influencing their husbands and families to adopt safer road practices,” he said and stressed the need for continuous advocacy.
The President-elect of the National Association of Local Authorities of Ghana (NALAG), Hon. Alfred Asiedu, has emphasized the importance of decentralizing road safety education to reach every electoral area in the country.
He underscored the role of decentralization in bringing governance and essential services closer to the people and expressed his commitment to using the same approach to promote road safety awareness.
Dr. Raphael Awuah, Regional Technical Advisor for Vital Strategies, in a presentation, highlighted the importance of data in road safety initiatives.
“Data is indeed the backbone of road safety improvement. Findings from this report help us assess trends, identify high-risk groups, and implement effective solutions to create safer roads for everyone,” he said.
Globally, road traffic crashes cause approximately 1.2 million deaths and over 50 million injuries annually, disproportionately affecting low- and middle-income countries.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, commemorated globally, provides an opportunity to honour victims, acknowledge the work of emergency services, and advocate for stronger legal responses and preventive measures.
