Upper West Region Reports Significant Drop in Road Crashes
The Upper West Region has achieved a notable reduction in road traffic incidents, with a 17.14 per cent decrease in cases recorded in 2025 compared to the previous year. This positive trend, revealed by the Upper West Regional Directorate of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), signifies a success in the region’s ongoing efforts to enhance road safety.
In 2024, the region documented a total of 105 road crash cases. This figure subsequently declined to 87 cases in 2025, demonstrating a tangible improvement in road safety outcomes.
Beyond the reduction in the number of crashes, the region also witnessed a marginal decrease in injuries. The number of individuals injured in road crashes dropped from 127 in 2024 to 123 in 2025, representing a 3.15 per cent reduction. More significantly, fatalities saw a substantial decline, decreasing from 39 in 2024 to 29 in 2025, a remarkable reduction of approximately 25 per cent.
Mr. Abdul-Fatawu Sidik, an Assistant Planning Manager at the Upper West Regional office of the NRSA, shared these figures and highlighted that the observed decrease is a direct result of the implemented strategies. He emphasized that the Authority’s intensified focus on road safety education and the strict enforcement of road traffic regulations have been instrumental in achieving these positive outcomes.
Key Strategies and Initiatives
The NRSA has been actively engaged in a multi-pronged approach to foster a culture of safety on the region’s roads. These initiatives include:
- Public Education Campaigns: Regular engagement with road users at various public spaces such as transport terminals, churches, mosques, and schools. These interactions aim to instill discipline in road use and promote strict adherence to traffic regulations.
- Pre-Departure Inspections: A crucial measure implemented at transport terminals involves thorough checks of vehicles for roadworthiness. This includes verifying the condition of tyres, lights, seatbelts, and the availability of essential first aid kits before vehicles commence their journeys. This proactive step helps prevent mechanical failures that could lead to accidents.
- Enforcement of Regulations: The Authority has been actively enforcing existing road traffic laws to deter unsafe practices.
Mr. Sidik expressed optimism about the future, stating that the NRSA is committed to implementing further measures to minimize road accident cases in the region to the absolute minimum, not only in 2016 but also in the years beyond.
Future Plans for Enhanced Road Safety
Looking ahead, the NRSA has ambitious plans to build upon the current successes. A significant initiative involves the training of “road safety champions” at transport terminals. These champions will play a vital role in supporting the ongoing monitoring and enforcement of road safety regulations, acting as local advocates for safe driving practices.
Mr. Sidik underscored the preventable nature of road crashes, emphasizing that they are not inevitable occurrences. He stated, “What we experience on our roads are no more accidents, but rather crashes. They are things we can avoid, but it is our impatience, our carelessness, our reckless behaviors that leads us into some of the crashes we report.” This highlights the critical role of individual behavior in road safety.
Persistent Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the positive developments, Mr. Sidik acknowledged certain persistent challenges that continue to impede progress. These include:
- Weak Enforcement of Road Traffic Laws: A significant hurdle is the inconsistent or insufficient enforcement of existing traffic legislation.
- Limited Funding: Resource constraints can impact the scope and effectiveness of road safety initiatives.
Mr. Sidik observed that non-compliance with basic road rules, such as the failure to use pedestrian crossings and the dangerous practice of using mobile phones while driving, remains prevalent. He attributed this to the perception that “most of our laws are sleeping,” suggesting a need for more visible and consistent enforcement.
The NRSA urges the public, particularly motorists, to embrace responsibility in their road use. By adopting safer driving habits and adhering to traffic laws, individuals can significantly contribute to avoiding preventable road crashes, thereby preserving the nation’s valuable human resources. The continued collaboration between the authorities and the public is essential to achieving a future with safer roads for everyone.
