Mr. David Osafo Adonteng, the Acting Director General (DG) of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has announced the implementation of revised road safety interventions in Ghana. As part of these measures, the NRSA plans to adopt technology to combat road crashes effectively.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) during his working visit to the Upper West Region, Mr. Adonteng highlighted the key technological measures. The authority will install cameras at strategic locations, mainly on major highways, to monitor motorists, particularly those who run red lights. Moreover, vehicle tracking devices and speed limiters will be used to monitor and regulate vehicle speeds, preventing over-speeding and wrongful overtaking.
Over-speeding has been identified as a critical contributing factor to road crashes in the country. Therefore, the NRSA aims to enforce stringent measures to counter this issue. The successful nationwide implementation of these road safety intervention technologies will position Ghana as a country with success stories in road safety management.
Furthermore, the DG mentioned a new NRSA Legislative Instrument (LI) that empowers the authority to regulate passenger transport services in the country. Under this LI, all transport services operators will be licensed and given standards to operate within, thus enhancing safety measures.
To enforce these measures effectively, vehicles violating road traffic regulations will face sanctions. The NRSA aims to be firm in its approach, striving to reduce road crashes in the country. Vehicles not fit for purpose and drivers without the required qualifications, such as a driver’s license, will be prohibited from operating.
Mr. Adonteng applauded the strengthening of road safety management interventions, which has contributed to a reduction in road accidents in the country. He cited a decrease in road accident cases and vehicles involved in accidents during the first half of 2023 compared to the previous year.
Additionally, he addressed specific challenges in the northern regions, where riding without a helmet and underage riding have been prevalent issues. However, the NRSA is making progress in reducing road crashes involving motorcycles in these areas.
Mr. Adonteng expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Upper West Regional office of the NRSA in improving road safety in the region despite facing financial and logistical challenges. He called upon other stakeholders and institutions, including the media, to strengthen their activities in road safety management to achieve the desired results.
