Accra, Ghana – The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has reported a 1.9% decrease in road traffic crashes during March 2026, attributing the positive trend to enhanced public awareness initiatives conducted in partnership with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service leading up to the Easter holidays. The data indicates a reduction in reported crash cases from 1,218 in March 2025 to 1,195 in March 2026.
Context of Easter Travel and Road Safety
Easter in Ghana is traditionally a period of heightened road traffic due to increased intercity travel for religious observances and family gatherings. This surge in vehicular and pedestrian activity historically correlates with a rise in road accidents, making it a critical focus for road safety interventions.
March 2026 Crash Statistics Show Improvement
Provisional statistics released by the MTTD reveal a notable decrease in road safety incidents. Fatalities saw a significant reduction of 9.8%, dropping from 254 in March 2025 to 229 in March 2026. Pedestrian knockdowns also experienced a slight decline, falling by 1.5% from 202 to 199 cases over the same period.
The NRSA attributes these figures directly to its comprehensive road safety sensitisation campaigns. These campaigns emphasized responsible driving practices, pedestrian safety awareness, and the importance of adhering to traffic laws, particularly during the high-risk Easter season.
NRSA Director-General Commends Public, Calls for Sustained Efforts
Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the NRSA, acknowledged the positive public response to the awareness campaigns. He highlighted that Easter remains a period of elevated risk, underscoring the effectiveness of proactive engagement in preventing fatalities.
However, Mr. Amaliba stressed that road safety education must transcend seasonal initiatives. He appealed for consistent funding to maintain nationwide sensitization efforts throughout the year, stating, “We cannot afford to wait until Easter or Christmas before intensifying road safety education.”
“Statistics show that when we engage the public proactively, lives are spared. We therefore call on government, development partners, and corporate Ghana to support us with the resources needed to sustain these campaigns nationwide,” Amaliba urged.
Road Safety Challenges and Expert Views
Road traffic crashes continue to pose a significant public safety challenge in Ghana, leading to loss of life, injuries, and substantial economic consequences. Road safety experts consistently emphasize that a combination of strict enforcement, sustained public education, and fostering behavioral change is paramount to achieving a lasting reduction in road incidents.
Future Strategies and Outlook
Building on the recent success, the NRSA plans to broaden its outreach programs. These will include expanded engagement in schools, transport terminals, and workplaces. The Authority also intends to leverage digital platforms and community-based initiatives to further enhance public awareness.
The NRSA remains optimistic that with sustained funding and strengthened collaborations, Ghana can achieve a consistent decrease in road traffic fatalities in the upcoming years. The focus will be on maintaining momentum beyond holiday periods to embed safer road practices year-round.
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