Accra, April 1, – Speeding, inattentiveness, and loss of control continue to be the leading causes of road traffic crashes in Ghana, according to Mr. Gabriel Adu-Sarpong, Deputy Director of Research at the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA).
He stated that data from the Ghana Police Service shows about 90 per cent of crashes are due to human error, with speeding alone accounting for 38 to 40 per cent. Nearly six out of every 10 crashes involve speed-related factors.
Mr. Adu-Sarpong made the disclosure during a sensitisation exercise along the Aburi–Mampong–Mamfe road in the Eastern Region, part of the NRSA’s ongoing Visibility Programme conducted in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service.
The nationwide campaign, which began on March 30 and runs until April 7, 2026, targets commercial drivers, private motorists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians. It focuses on compliance with speed limits, traffic regulations, seatbelt and helmet use, and the avoidance of distracted or impaired driving.
The exercise’s main focus on Wednesday was speeding. Mr. Adu-Sarpong urged drivers to adopt defensive driving practices despite poor road conditions and inadequate signage, emphasizing that anticipating hazards and adjusting driving behaviour is key to preventing crashes.
“Knowing your vehicle’s condition is very important. It should inform your speed. Sometimes the safe speed may even be lower than the posted limit,” he said.
He clarified speed expectations: 30 km/h in residential or busy areas such as schools and markets; 50 km/h on highways passing through settlements; 90 km/h on major highways outside settlements; and 100 km/h on motorways.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Dr. Samuel Sasu-Mensah, Director of Operations at MTTD, noted that the exercise was primarily educational rather than enforcement-driven. However, police personnel will be deployed to hotspots such as Kwahu during the Easter period to ensure road safety compliance.
Mr. Adu-Sarpong warned that increased vehicular movement during festive periods heightens the risk of crashes and urged drivers to prioritise safety.
GHBUSS
01 April 2026
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