Ghana has seen a worrying surge in road accidents in recent years, leading to countless fatalities, life-changing injuries, and the destruction of livelihoods. Despite efforts to curb the rising tide of road carnage, accidents continue to claim thousands of lives each year. The issue is complex and deeply rooted in indiscipline on the part of drivers, poor road conditions, inadequate road signage, and weak enforcement of road safety regulations.
Recalcitrant Drivers: A Major Culprit
At the heart of the road accident crisis is the behaviour of drivers. Recalcitrant drivers—those who flagrantly disregard traffic rules—are a primary cause of fatal crashes. From excessive speeding to reckless overtaking and driving under the influence of alcohol, indiscipline behind the wheel has become a common sight on Ghana’s roads. These drivers often flout road safety regulations, putting themselves, their passengers, and other road users in grave danger.
Public transport drivers, particularly those operating “trotros” and commercial buses, are notorious for their aggressive driving styles. Many engage in dangerous overtaking manoeuvres, ignore traffic signals, and overload their vehicles to maximise profits. They drive on the edge of the road as if it is another lane no one can use but them. Pedestrians, too, face constant risk, as some drivers fail to respect crosswalks or speed limits in urban areas. Unfortunately, the culture of impunity has emboldened such drivers, as enforcement mechanisms remain weak and inconsistent. If you use a bicycle or the ubiquitous okada, then it is another day to battle for your safety out there on the road.
Bad Roads: Death Traps Across the Country
Our road network is plagued by potholes, erosion, and poorly maintained surfaces, contributing significantly to the accident rate. Many major highways and feeder roads are in deplorable condition, making driving a hazardous experience, especially at night. In fact, it is a task to drive on the road after a heavy downpour. Some of the roads are simply un-motorable. In some cases, sections of roads are left without warning signs, creating dangerous blind spots for drivers unfamiliar with the terrain. As a rule, I don’t drive at night, especially to or in places I am unfamiliar with because most of the roads including our highways are pitch dark or poorly lit at night and the streetlights are either absent, broken down or stolen. The lack of adequate road infrastructure exacerbates these problems and makes night travel risky.
Rural areas are particularly vulnerable, where unpaved roads become treacherous during the rainy season, leading to frequent accidents.
A tragic example is the Accra-Tema motorway, once considered the gateway to Ghana’s capital, but now fraught with gaping potholes and crumbling shoulders. This vital link between Accra and other regions has become an accident hotspot due to the delayed maintenance and neglect it has suffered over the years. You don’t know which one is worse; the Accra-Cape Coast or the Accra-Kumasi highway.
Indiscipline: The Blatant Disregard for Road Safety
Indiscipline among drivers remains a key factor in the road accident epidemic. Motorists blatantly ignore speed limits, traffic signals, and pedestrian rights. Motorcycles weave through traffic with reckless abandon, while drivers of commercial vehicles operate as if speed alone guarantees efficiency. The lack of adherence to basic road etiquette—such as signalling when turning or respecting right-of-way rules—leads to numerous collisions and near-misses daily.
Indiscipline is further exacerbated by poor driver training. Some drivers, particularly those of commercial vehicles, operate without proper licenses or knowledge of road regulations. Driving schools often do not enforce rigorous training standards, leaving drivers ill-prepared to navigate the country’s roads safely. A lot of people don’t go to driving school because it is perceived to be a sign of weakness for most people when those home-trained are revered for being smart and ‘skillful’.
Road Signs: A Dying Language
Road signs, critical for maintaining order and safety, are either missing or poorly maintained in many parts of the country. Signs indicating speed limits, sharp bends, pedestrian crossings, and other important road information are often faded, vandalized, or completely absent. The absence of clear road markings has become an accident waiting to happen.
Drivers frequently ignore the few signs that are present, contributing to the chaos on the roads. Without a clear understanding of road signage, both drivers and pedestrians are left vulnerable, leading to unnecessary accidents. In areas where roadworks are ongoing, warning signs are often inadequate, causing confusion and leading to fatal outcomes, especially at night.
Enforcement of Road Regulations: A Weak Link
The inability of law enforcement agencies to implement traffic regulations consistently and effectively compounds the problem. The Ghana Police Service’s Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), which is tasked with enforcing road safety laws, is often understaffed, under-resourced, and overwhelmed. As a result, traffic offences go unpunished, reinforcing the culture of impunity among reckless drivers.
Periodic crackdowns on speeding, driving under the influence, and the use of unlicensed vehicles are conducted, but they provide only temporary relief. Many drivers are aware that a small bribe or friendly connection can get them off the hook for traffic violations, leading to a breakdown in the rule of law on Ghana’s roads.
The problem is often worsened by political interference, with some influential individuals using their connections to prevent their drivers or themselves from facing justice after committing road offences. This undermines the authority of law enforcement agencies and sends the message that the law does not apply to everyone.
Talk Shop: Reacting Only When Accidents Involve the Important
Another disturbing trend is the tendency for public outrage and conversation about road accidents to gain traction only when prominent individuals or high-profile cases are involved. When ordinary citizens die in road accidents, they are often reduced to mere statistics, and little is done to address the systemic issues at play.
However, when a high-ranking government official, celebrity, or prominent businessperson is involved in a crash, there is a national uproar, leading to renewed calls for reform. Unfortunately, these discussions often fizzle out after a few weeks, with no tangible action taken to address the underlying causes of road accidents.
This selective response to road accidents highlights a broader societal issue where the safety and lives of ordinary Ghanaians are not prioritized. True reform must involve a sustained commitment to improving road safety for all, not just the elite.
Solving the Road Accident Crisis: What Needs to Be Done
To address the road accident crisis in Ghana, a multifaceted approach is needed—one that tackles indiscipline, infrastructure, and enforcement.
1. Community Engagement and Driver Education: A major shift in driver attitudes is essential. This can be achieved through nationwide road safety campaigns and rigorous driver education programs. The Ghana Road Safety Authority must collaborate with schools, media outlets, and religious institutions to promote responsible driving habits. Efforts should be made to instil a sense of accountability in drivers, reminding them that they have a moral and legal duty to protect the lives of road users.
2. Improved Road Infrastructure: Immediate attention must be given to improving road conditions. Road repairs, resurfacing, and the construction of new, safe highways should be prioritized. Ghana’s road maintenance agencies must be adequately funded and equipped to ensure timely repairs and regular upkeep of the country’s road network.
3. Clear and Visible Road Signage: The installation of clear, standardized road signs is critical. All urban and rural roads should be properly marked with speed limits, cautionary signs, and directions. In high-risk areas, speed bumps and traffic lights should be installed to slow down vehicles and prevent accidents.
4. Strict Enforcement of Traffic Regulations: Law enforcement must be empowered to strictly apply traffic regulations without fear or favour. Traffic offences should carry severe penalties, and offenders should not be allowed to escape punishment through bribes or connections. A zero-tolerance policy should be adopted toward drunk driving, speeding, and the use of unlicensed vehicles.
5. Encouraging Public Involvement and Whistleblowing: Communities should be encouraged to take an active role in road safety. Citizens can report reckless driving or poor road conditions through hotlines or mobile apps, allowing authorities to take swift action. Public pressure can be instrumental in keeping both drivers and authorities accountable.
6. Political Will and Continuous Dialogue: Solving the road accident crisis requires the political will to prioritize road safety at all levels of government. Regular national dialogues should be held, not just in the wake of high-profile accidents, but as part of a long-term strategy to reform the road transport sector. Civil society groups, the media, and advocacy organizations must continue to hold leaders accountable for their promises on road safety.
Road accidents in Ghana are a tragic but preventable scourge. The indiscipline of drivers, poor road conditions, lack of adequate road signage, and weak enforcement of traffic regulations all play a role in the continued loss of lives. Solving this crisis requires a concerted effort by all stakeholders—government, communities, drivers, and enforcement agencies. Only through a comprehensive, sustained approach can the lives of Ghanaians be protected on the roads, and the needless carnage brought to an end.
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