The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Lawyer Abraham Amaliba, has unveiled an ambitious strategy to combat Ghana’s rising road traffic fatalities, focusing on stricter enforcement of road regulations and critical infrastructural improvements.
Urgent Measures to Enhance Pedestrian Safety
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues programme on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Amaliba acknowledged mounting concerns over road accidents and pedestrian safety. Since assuming office two months ago, he has initiated several interventions, including:
- Inspecting pedestrian walkways and footbridges to ensure usability and safety.
- Holding transport operators accountable for reckless driving.
- Removing hazardous advertising structures that obstruct visibility on roads.
His first major action was inspecting pedestrian crossings and footbridges in Accra, given alarming statistics on pedestrian knockdowns. He engaged authorities to expedite the completion of the N1 footbridge, a crucial project aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities.
Additionally, following a viral video highlighting the danger posed by billboards under the East Legon underbridge, he ordered their immediate removal, forcing the responsible advertising company to act within a day.
Addressing Infrastructure Deficiencies
Lawyer Amaliba highlighted critical road safety risks, such as the deteriorating guardrails at Brimso Bridge on the Kumasi highway, which pose a severe threat to motorists. He issued a compliance notice to the Ghana Highways Authority, warning of legal action if repairs were not carried out promptly.
Crackdown on Illegal Parking & Street Hawking
Illegal Parking: Amaliba raised concerns about articulated trucks parked along highways, a practice linked to numerous fatal crashes. He has directed regional ministers and district assemblies to establish designated parking areas for these vehicles, improving safety while also creating business opportunities for vendors.
Street Hawking on Walkways: The NRSA boss emphasized that pedestrian walkways must remain free for public use. While acknowledging traders’ livelihoods, he urged district assemblies to enforce regulations, ensuring that vendors do not obstruct pedestrian movement.
A New Era of Road Safety Enforcement
With a firm stance on compliance, Amaliba declared: “When you apply the law, and you know you are right, there is nothing to fear.” His leadership signals a new era of strict enforcement and accountability, setting the stage for safer roads across Ghana.
By: J.W Quarm
