Road Safety in Ghana: MTTD, NRSA, DVLA Target Wrong Priorities in Fight Against Accidents-Environmental Guide Managing Editor Writes

Road accidents in Ghana continue to claim lives daily, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the institutions set up to tackle this crisis. The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) are tasked with reducing road accidents to protect innocent lives. Yet, despite their efforts, it seems these agencies may be misdirecting their focus, contributing little to real progress in combating road carnage.

Often, when the MTTD sets up checkpoints, the emphasis seems to be on verifying driver's licenses, roadworthiness certificates, and insurance papers—documents that, while important, address only a fraction of the safety issues on Ghana’s roads. This focus on paperwork overlooks the primary causes of most accidents. For instance, vehicles used for public transportation, like Accra’s "trotros," are frequently in disrepair, leaving passengers vulnerable. Passengers are sometimes forced to endure wet, uncomfortable rides in vehicles with leaking roofs, poor suspension, and worn-out seats. These issues, coupled with the absence of regular maintenance, contribute to a cycle of preventable accidents.

More critical factors remain largely unchecked: excessive speeding, drunk driving, reckless behavior, and poor infrastructure. These are the real culprits driving the high accident rates. Statistics consistently show that speeding kills. Traveling above speed limits is one of the most frequent causes of fatal accidents, as are drivers operating under the influence of alcohol and drugs, who pose daily dangers on the road.

Other overlooked hazards include running red lights, unsafe lane changes, and ignoring stop signs. When drivers disregard these basic rules, they create conditions ripe for side-impact and rollover collisions. Additionally, night driving, design flaws in some vehicles, drowsy driving, road rage, potholes, and hazardous weather conditions like fog contribute to a heightened risk of accidents.

For teenage drivers, inexperience amplifies the risk of mistakes that can lead to serious accidents. Vehicles with defective parts and roadways with sharp, deadly curves also increase accident risks. Environmental factors, including animals crossing roads, can further lead to collisions, particularly on highways and rural roads.

The current approach by MTTD, NRSA, and DVLA seems to focus on revenue-generating checks rather than on addressing these pressing issues. Instead of prioritizing the actual causes of road accidents, these agencies have become entangled in routine verifications that, while necessary, do not directly address the root of Ghana's road safety crisis.

If the true mission of these institutions is to reduce road carnage, they must adopt a more holistic approach. Beyond checking papers, MTTD officers should be on the lookout for reckless driving behaviors, vehicles that clearly lack regular maintenance, and other tangible risks that endanger lives on the road. Real change will require collaboration with insurance companies, road safety advocates, and policymakers to implement solutions that focus on the direct causes of accidents rather than just administrative requirements.

For Ghana to make progress in road safety, these agencies must shift their priorities to combat the real issues that endanger drivers and passengers alike. Only by addressing the deeper causes of road accidents will the nation achieve safer roads for all.