The Green Tax Youth Africa (GTYA ) has called on the government to as a matter of importance implement a holistic road maintenance program that prioritizes regular inspections, timely repairs and other road safety protocols to ensure the safety of the people.
In a press release issued in Accra on Thursday ,Sept 12, GTYA said the existing policies should be revised to address the economic and security implications of road traffic accidents, with emphasis on protecting life, livelihood, and property.
See below the full statement …
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Holistic Road Maintenance for Sustainable Development and Safety
The Green Tax Youth Africa (GTYA) commends the Government of Ghana for launching the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), which aims to enhance road conditions across all 275 constituencies.
The commissioning of 2,240 road units under this initiative marks a significant investment in national infrastructure that can address long-standing road issues and contribute to economic growth if managed effectively. Road transport remains the dominant mode of transportation in Ghana, crucial for both internal and regional passenger and freight movement.
However, it is also the most hazardous form of transportation, with about 30% of road accidents attributed to poor road maintenance and infrastructure deficiencies, in addition to other primary causes such as inadequate driving skills, vehicle maintenance, and enforcement of road safety regulations. The state of road infrastructure—evident through issues like faded road markings, missing reflectors, potholes, and malfunctioning traffic lights—poses a grave threat to public safety.
Roads such as the Accra Madina highway highlight these concerns, where deteriorating road conditions, including non-functional streetlights and missing reflectors, exacerbate the risks for road users.
Globally, road traffic accidents cost economies approximately USD 518 billion annually, with low- and middle-income countries like Ghana disproportionately affected. In 2022, road traffic crashes were estimated to cost the Ghanaian economy 1.6% of GDP, or approximately GHS 1.7 billion.
These figures represent both direct costs, such as medical services and vehicle damage, and indirect costs, such as lost productivity and the long-term care of survivors. Given Ghana’s existing debt burden, the continued economic toll from road accidents adds unnecessary strain to an already fragile fiscal situation. Addressing this issue will not only save lives but also contribute to economic recovery.
The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), established in 1999, has been a pivotal institution in road safety promotion.
However, road safety challenges continue to persist, ranging from high fatality rates to inadequate traffic enforcement. Road accidents accounted for 2,284 fatalities and 14,397 injuries in 2023, with a concerning number of deaths involving young people under the age of 18.
The existing policies, such as those under Act 567, must be updated to reflect emerging road users, such as motorcyclists (Okada) and tricycle riders (Keke). These groups contribute to the current transport system and should be integrated into the legal framework for safer roads.
GTYA Recommendations
1. The government should implement a holistic road maintenance program that prioritizes regular inspections, timely repairs, and the installation of essential safety infrastructure such as road markings, reflectors, traffic lights, and pedestrian walkways.
2. Existing policies should be revised to address the economic and security implications of road traffic accidents, with an emphasis on protecting life, livelihood, and property. This should include provisions for emerging road users like Okada and Keke riders.
3. The government should explore the integration of technology into road management, such as smart traffic lights and automated monitoring systems, to enhance road safety and maintenance.
4. A nationwide campaign to educate road users on safe driving practices, coupled with stronger accountability for authorities responsible for road maintenance, will ensure a collaborative approach to improving road safety.
GTYA stands ready to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders to address these challenges and build safer roads across the country.
A proactive approach to road maintenance and safety will not only save lives but also contribute to sustainable economic growth and development in Ghana.
For further engagement, contact Nii Addo at 0260704666 or via email at [email protected].
Source: Publicagenda.news
