Ghana's Deadly Roads in the Festive Season: Watch Over Your Life and Property

Ghana is known for its vibrant culture and lively festive seasons, where people travel to reunite with family, celebrate, and mark important occasions. However, as the country gears up for the festive period, there is an alarming rise in road accidents, leading to a significant number of fatalities and injuries. The period from December to January, in particular, is marked by a surge in road traffic accidents, with many losing their lives or suffering from severe injuries. This article delves into the underlying causes of road fatalities in Ghana during the festive season and offers recommendations to safeguard lives and property on the road.

The Escalating Toll of Road Accidents in Ghana

In Ghana, road traffic accidents are a leading cause of death and injury, and the festive season amplifies this issue. According to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the number of accidents during the holiday season tends to spike due to the increased number of travelers on the roads (NRSA, 2023). This is exacerbated by factors such as reckless driving, speeding, poor road infrastructure, and a lack of enforcement of traffic regulations. The festive period typically sees families traveling long distances to visit loved ones, and while these journeys are intended to foster togetherness and joy, they often end in tragedy due to preventable road accidents.

A report by the Ghana Police Service indicated that there were over 2,000 accidents recorded nationwide during the 2022 festive season alone, resulting in hundreds of deaths (Ghana Police Service, 2022). This alarming figure highlights the dangers of the season and underscores the need for increased vigilance on the roads. During this time, there is also an uptick in the use of commercial transport, with many passengers crammed into vehicles that are not roadworthy or driven by unlicensed or fatigued drivers.

Contributing Factors to Road Accidents

Several factors contribute to the high rate of accidents on Ghana's roads during the festive season. One of the most significant issues is the condition of the roads themselves. While urban areas have seen some improvements in road infrastructure, many rural and remote regions still have poorly maintained roads, with potholes, lack of proper signage, and poor lighting at night (World Bank, 2022). These hazardous conditions increase the likelihood of accidents, especially when drivers are traveling at night, often at high speeds.

Another major contributor to the spike in accidents is human error. Many drivers ignore traffic laws, such as the use of seat belts, speed limits, and alcohol restrictions. During the festive season, however, the problem is often worsened by festive drinking and a lack of road safety awareness. The absence of strict enforcement of traffic regulations during this period further exacerbates the problem, as some drivers feel they can take risks without facing consequences (Owusu, 2021).

Fatigue and long hours behind the wheel also play a critical role in the increasing number of accidents. Drivers of commercial vehicles often work long shifts to maximize profits, and this leads to exhaustion, reducing their ability to react quickly in emergency situations. Fatigued drivers are more prone to making mistakes, which can have catastrophic results.

Lastly, the most pathetic avoidable cause of accidents on our roads without anybody paying attention is broken down vehicles. Quite often we see vehicles which are broken down at curves, hills and other dangerous portions of the road without any proper safety measure to ward off on coming road users. Truth be told, this phenomenon has claimed several lives in Ghana as on coming vehicles often run into this stationed trucks. This is unacceptable and should calls for attention by the regulated bodies in the country to act now especially in this festive season.

Recommendations for Safe Travel during the Festive Season

To reduce the number of road accidents during the festive season, several measures must be adopted. First, the government and relevant authorities should enhance road safety campaigns aimed at educating both drivers and pedestrians. These campaigns should highlight the importance of road safety rules, including wearing seat belts, adhering to speed limits, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Ghana Road Safety Commission (GRSC) has played an essential role in promoting road safety, and their efforts should be expanded to cover more remote areas, where accidents are more frequent (Ghana Road Safety Commission, 2020).

Second, there should be a concerted effort to improve the condition of the roads, especially major highways as well as rural areas. This includes fixing potholes, improving signage, ensuring proper lighting at night, and regular maintenance of road infrastructure. The government should also consider implementing measures such as roadworthy checks for all vehicles, especially commercial vehicles, before and during the festive season.

Third, enforcement of traffic laws needs to be strengthened. The police should increase their presence on major highways and other critical roads to deter reckless driving. Measures such as speed traps, random breathalyzer tests, and closer inspections of vehicles could discourage unsafe driving practices. Additionally, strict penalties for offenders may act as a deterrent for individuals who choose to break traffic laws.

Finally, it is essential for travelers to take personal responsibility for their safety. Drivers should ensure their vehicles are in good condition, take regular breaks during long trips to prevent fatigue, and avoid rushing to reach their destinations. Passengers also have a role to play by ensuring they are only traveling in vehicles that are safe and operated by licensed drivers.

Conclusion
The festive season in Ghana is a time of celebration, family, and togetherness. However, it is also a period of heightened danger on the roads. With more people traveling, there is an increased risk of accidents, many of which result in fatalities and serious injuries. To ensure the safety of all road users, it is crucial to address the key factors contributing to these accidents, such as poor road conditions, human error, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws. By taking collective responsibility through government action, better road safety education, and responsible driving, Ghanaians can ensure that this festive season does not turn into a season of sorrow and mourning. We have lost a lot of our fine brains and strengths to avoidable accidents for many years. How long can we continue to lose our labour force to road related accidents? It is our responsibility to rise up and speak and act to save lives. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all in Christ.

By Paul Abudulai Yelinje (Rev), RME Tutor, Savannah College of Education, Daboya

References
Ghana Police Service. (2022). National Road Traffic Report. Accra, Ghana.

Ghana Road Safety Commission. (2020). Road Safety Awareness Campaign. Accra, Ghana.

National Road Safety Authority (NRSA). (2023). Annual Report on Road Traffic Accidents. Accra, Ghana.

Owusu, A. (2021). The impact of alcohol on road safety during the festive season in Ghana. Ghana Journal of Transport, 5(2), 75-89.

World Bank. (2022). Road Infrastructure and Development in Ghana: Challenges and Solutions. Washington, D.C.