By Benjamin Adamafio Commey, GNA
Accra, Oct. 6, GNA – The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has called on drivers, vehicle owners and transport operators to strengthen discipline and accountability on the roads as the country prepares for the festive season.
The appeal comes against the backdrop of rising road crashes, with at least 1,009 people killed in 4,899 crashes recorded nationwide between January and April 2026, compared with 4,779 crashes during the same period in 2025, representing a 2.5 per cent increase.
Mr Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the NRSA, made the call during separate engagements with transport union executives and drivers at the Circle and Kaneshie commercial transport terminals in Accra on Tuesday.
He said the increasing number of crashes required renewed commitment from all road users and stakeholders, especially during the festive period when traffic volumes were expected to surge.
Mr Amaliba cautioned drivers against speeding, reckless driving, disregard for road signs and other forms of indiscipline, stressing that roads were meant to facilitate safe movement of people and goods.
“The roads were built to take us from one place to another, not to become graveyards,” he said.
Mr Amaliba explained that the engagement formed part of the Authority’s efforts to intensify public education and promote shared responsibility in reducing preventable road deaths and injuries.
“This visit is a national call for discipline and accountability on our roads,” he said.
Mr Amaliba urged drivers not to yield to pressure from vehicle owners or passengers to engage in unsafe driving practices and called on transport union executives to strengthen pre-departure inspections.
“You have the power, that is why you are executives. You are the first line of road safety advocacy. Don’t shirk your responsibilities,” he said.
Mr Amaliba also warned against the use of alcohol and other substances that could impair judgment and compromise safe driving.
He advised drivers to obey traffic regulations, remain alert and exercise patience and tolerance towards other road users.
The NRSA Director-General noted that transport unions and vehicle operators had a critical role in self-regulating drivers and supporting national road safety interventions.
“Self-regulate the drivers. Be vigilant and inspect your drivers before they move their vehicles,” he said.
Mr Amaliba said the Authority would continue collaborating with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and other stakeholders to strengthen enforcement and deploy technology-driven interventions, including TraffiTech, to promote safer driver behaviour.
He appealed to drivers and transport operators to work together to avoid the fatalities and injuries that had characterised previous festive seasons.
“Don’t let us hear bad news towards Christmas and the New Year. We can do it,” he said.
Mr Samuel Amoah, Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), called on the Government to enforce regulations that would require all commercial transport operators to belong to recognised transport unions to improve accountability and compliance within the sector.
Mr Omari Osei, Welfare Secretary of the Odwana Drivers Association, appealed to the NRSA to organise regular capacity-building programmes to enhance drivers’ skills and responsiveness on the roads.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
6 Oct. 2026
Pictures Attached
Reporter: Benjamin Adamafio Commey
Email: [email protected]
