‘You do not have a spare life’ – NRSA raises alarm over rising road crashes

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has renewed its call for road users to act responsibly, warning that the increasing number of crashes, injuries, and deaths on Ghana’s roads is becoming a major public safety concern.

The Authority, which is mandated to promote safe road use, enforce traffic regulations, and coordinate stakeholders in the transport sector, says the current trend of road crashes is leaving families devastated and many victims permanently incapacitated.

Speaking on Voices of Change on Mike FM on Saturday, December 13, 2025, John Quarshie, the Upper East Regional Public Relations Officer of the NRSA, disclosed troubling statistics on road crashes in the Upper East Region.

“From January to November, there has been many crashes on our roads in the Upper East Region. Thirty-nine serious crashes where a person was hospitalized more than 24 hours, minor crashes where persons were hospitalized not more than 24 hours were five.

Crashes that led to at least a person dying occurred 45 times, injuries where a person loses part of their body occurred 127 times, and a total of 58 road crash deaths were reported to the police.” He stated.

Quarshie attributed the situation to several factors, chief among them irresponsible speeding and driving or riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“The baseline is irresponsible speeding, drunk driving, drinking spots are just two meters away from the road, inconsiderate driving and not respecting pedestrians. There are 10 reported pedestrians knocked down and six of them died on the spot.” He said.

He appealed to politicians, celebrities, and event organisers to use their influence to caution supporters, followers, and fans against reckless driving and riding.

Quarshie also reminded road users of the importance of road signs, noting that there are four types which come in different colours and shapes and must be obeyed to avoid endangering lives.

He further outlined key road rules, including avoiding overtaking from the right-hand side, not riding on the road shoulder, and ensuring pedestrians and cyclists do not turn their backs to oncoming vehicles. He added that night road users must wear reflectors, while drivers and riders should always use seat belts and helmets, and avoid substance abuse.

He urged the public to take personal responsibility for their safety whenever they use the road, stressing that they do not have a spare life.

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