Researchers warn of urgent action needed to reduce road deaths in Ghana
Researchers Enock and Isaac Aninakwah highlight Ghana's road safety crisis, citing over 46,000 deaths between 1991 and 2018 and 2,494 deaths in 2024.
In Brief
- •Researchers Enock and Isaac Aninakwah highlight Ghana's road safety crisis, citing over 46,000 deaths between 1991 and 2018 and 2,494 deaths in 2024.
- •The study identifies systemic failures in road infrastructure, vehicle safety, and emergency response as key contributors to the crisis.
- •The researchers recommend safer road design, improved maintenance, stronger enforcement, and public education to address the issue.
- •The analysis draws on data from the National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Highway Authority, and World Health Organisation.
- •The study acknowledges limitations in data availability, particularly on vehicle use and distances traveled, which affects its ability to assess risk changes.
Why It Matters
Ghana's road safety crisis has significant social and economic implications. The high number of road deaths and injuries not only claims lives but also results in lost income, increased healthcare costs, and emotional distress for families. The crisis also erodes public confidence in the transport system, making travel fear and anxiety a common experience. Addressing this issue is crucial for public health and development, as it directly impacts the quality of life and economic productivity of the population.
Key Details
- Total road deaths (1991-2018)
- 46,000
- Road deaths in 2024
- 2,494
- Injuries in 2024
- 15,607
- Researchers
- Enock Aninakwah, Isaac Aninakwah
- Affiliations
- University of Ghana, St. Monica’s College of Education
Context & Background
Ghana's road safety crisis is driven by a chain of interconnected systemic failures, including poor road design and maintenance, inadequate lighting and signage, risky overtaking, and unsafe vehicles. Weak enforcement and gaps in emergency response further compound the problem.
Original Reporting & Sources
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