The Director of Research, Education and Training at the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise in road fatalities recorded across Ghana in 2025.
Speaking in an interview with Piesie Okrah on Dwaboase on Power 97.9 FM and TV XYZ on Tuesday, October 21, Chief Supt. Obeng provided a detailed breakdown of the country’s worsening road safety situation.
According to MTTD data, 10,734 accident cases were recorded across all 25 police regions between January and September 2025, representing a 9.31 percent increase compared to 9,820 cases over the same period last year.
In total, 18,276 road accidents involving all categories of vehicles were recorded within the period, a 9.92 percent rise over last year’s 16,627 cases.
Out of this, 12,362 persons were directly affected, up 8.36 percent from 11,408 persons in 2024.
Worryingly, 2,180 people have lost their lives through road crashes so far this year, marking a 20.4 percent jump from 1,813 deaths recorded during the same period in 2024.
A breakdown by vehicle type showed that:
Motorcycles accounted for 4,712 cases
Private cars recorded 7,393 cases
Commercial vehicles contributed 6,171 cases
However, motorcycles, despite recording the fewest crashes, were responsible for the highest fatalities, with 990 deaths, compared to 739 for commercial vehicles and 443 for private vehicles.
Chief Supt. Obeng attributed the surge primarily to driver negligence, fatigue, and carelessness, but noted that poor road infrastructure remains a significant contributor to the high death toll.
“We cannot ignore the realistic factors. The poor nature of our roads is glaring and needs urgent attention. Many are too dark and have become death traps. Single carriageways must be upgraded to dual carriageways, and the absence of road signs is also increasing the rate of accidents,” he stressed.
He called for intensified public education and enforcement, especially among motorcyclists, urging consistent use of helmets, protective clothing, and strict adherence to traffic regulations.
“If we don’t act decisively, the situation will worsen. Every life lost on our roads is one too many,” he warned.
Source: Myxyzonline.com/Amos Kwabena Konyo
