2,494 killed, 15,607 injured from road crashes in 2024

Road traffic crashes continue to exact a grim toll on Ghana, with 2024 proving particularly deadly.
According to data released for the year, 2,494 commuters lost their lives in road crashes between January and December.
This marks a 9.58% increase in fatalities compared to 2023, underscoring the growing menace of traffic incidents on the country’s roads.
The data reveals a disproportionate impact on males, who accounted for 80% of the fatalities (1,997 deaths), while females made up 20% (497 deaths).
The stark male-to-female fatality ratio of 4:1 aligns with trends observed in previous years, likely due to the greater exposure of males to risky traffic situations such as driving and commuting for work.

A heavy price to pay
The economic impact of road traffic crashes is staggering.
The loss of 2,494 lives represents not just an emotional toll but also a significant drain on Ghana’s workforce.
With 87% of the fatalities being adults above 18 years, many of whom are likely breadwinners, families across the country are left grappling with the financial fallout.
The productivity loss due to these untimely deaths is compounded by the burden of injuries.

15,607 injured
Over 15,607 people sustained injuries in crashes during 2024, straining an already overstretched healthcare system and diverting resources that could have been used for development. The increase in injuries, up 1.28% from 2023, means higher medical costs for individuals, families, and the government.

22,975 vehicles involved
The damage to vehicles—22,975 of which were involved in crashes—adds another layer to the economic burden.
Businesses relying on commercial transport face interruptions, while private vehicle owners struggle with repair costs, often without adequate insurance coverage.

A system under strain
The health sector bears a significant burden from road traffic crashes.
The 15,607 reported injuries in 2024, ranging from minor to life-altering, have overwhelmed medical facilities.
October was particularly devastating, with 1,513 injuries recorded, the highest monthly figure.
This surge places immense pressure on emergency departments, surgical units, and rehabilitation services.
Many victims require long-term medical care, including physical therapy and mental health support, creating a ripple effect on the healthcare system.
Families of victims also face emotional trauma and the challenge of caregiving, often at great personal and financial cost.
Pedestrian-related crashes, which knocked down 2,395 people in 2024, highlight the vulnerability of those on foot.
While this figure represents a 6.41% decrease from 2023, the persistent threat to pedestrian safety remains a major public health concern. October again emerged as the worst month, with 236 pedestrians knocked down.

Families and communities in crisis
The social consequences of road traffic crashes extend far beyond the immediate victims.
Families lose loved ones, breadwinners, and caregivers, leading to emotional devastation and financial instability.
Children who lose parents are often forced to leave school to support their families, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Communities, particularly those with high crash rates, grapple with the collective trauma of frequent fatalities and injuries.
The ripple effects of these losses are felt in workplaces, schools, and social settings, as the absence of individuals reshapes daily life and communal relationships.

A year of highs and lows in road safety trends
While the number of reported crashes, vehicles involved, and pedestrian knockdowns decreased slightly in 2024, the rise in fatalities and injuries indicates that the severity of crashes has increased.
October was a particularly deadly month, recording the highest number of crashes (1,307) and injuries, while July saw the fewest crashes (817) and injuries (999).
Road traffic crashes are categorized as fatal, serious, or minor based on their severity.
Fatal crashes, which result in at least one death within 30 days, have become alarmingly frequent, contributing significantly to the year’s high death toll.
Serious crashes, requiring victims to be hospitalized for over 24 hours, and minor crashes, involving less severe injuries, also remain prevalent.

Urgent action needed
The data from 2024 paints a dire picture of Ghana’s road safety crisis.
It calls for urgent interventions to address the economic, health, and social ramifications of road traffic crashes.
Solutions must include stricter enforcement of traffic laws, improved road infrastructure, public education campaigns, and better emergency response systems.
For a nation striving for economic growth and social stability, reducing road traffic crashes is not just a public safety issue—it is a development imperative.
The lives lost and impacted in 2024 are a stark reminder of the cost of inaction.
Ghana must prioritize road safety to safeguard its people and secure its future.

By ELVIS DARKO, Accra