Despite reductions in several key road safety indicators, fatalities from road crashes in Ghana increased by 8.35% during the first nine months of 2024 compared to the same period last year.
Fatalities on the Rise
The data revealed that the number of deaths resulting from road crashes rose from 1,677 between January and September 2023 to 1,817 during the same period in 2024, marking an increase of 8.35%.
This is according to data compiled by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and analyzed by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA).
This surge in fatalities has raised concerns among road safety advocates and authorities.
Injuries and pedestrian knockdowns decline
On a more positive note, the data showed that injuries from road accidents dropped by 2.45% this year, with 11,408 people injured between January and September 2024, compared to 11,694 in the same period in 2023.
Pedestrian knockdowns
Similarly, pedestrian knockdowns saw a decrease of 5.25%, with 1,750 cases recorded this year compared to 1,847 last year.
Fewer vehicles involved in crashes
The total number of vehicles involved in road crashes also declined, dropping by 7.91% from 18,056 in the first nine months of 2023 to 16,627 in 2024.
This decrease is part of a broader trend of improvement in several road safety indicators.
Reported road crash cases drop by 7.48%
The number of road crash cases reported to the police fell by 7.48%, from 10,514 between January and September 2023 to 9,820 in the same period in 2024.
The decline in reported cases reflects progress in reducing the overall number of accidents on the roads, even as fatalities have risen.
Ongoing efforts to improve road safety
The NRSA continues to work with law enforcement agencies, transport operators, and other stakeholders to promote safer roads.
However, the rise in fatalities underscores the need for renewed efforts to address the causes of deadly crashes, including speeding, driver fatigue, and poor road conditions.
