The Western Region recorded 2,800 road traffic accidents resulting in 465 deaths between January and November 2025, marking a sharp increase compared to the same period in 2024, when 1,119 vehicles were involved in crashes.
The Western Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Division (MTTD), Superintendent Paul Bruce Amoah, attributed the surge largely to driver-related factors.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting on “Safe and Responsible Driving During the Festive Season” on December 23, Superintendent Amoah said the majority of accidents were caused by human error.
“In the Western Region, we recorded 2,800 accidents with 465 fatalities between January and November. The vast majority, approximately 90 to 95 per cent are attributable to driver error. This clearly indicates that human behaviour is the predominant factor in our road safety crisis,” he stated.
He identified drunk driving, speeding and unnecessary overtaking as the main causes and disclosed that the MTTD has intensified sensitisation campaigns for drivers at various transport terminals across the region.
Superintendent Amoah added that despite ongoing education efforts, unsafe driving practices remain widespread.
Meanwhile, the Western Regional Police Commander, DCOP Frank Abrokwa, highlighted logistical challenges in enforcing drunk-driving laws, particularly the limited availability of testing equipment.
“The breathalyser equipment we use to check drivers’ alcohol levels is intended for health purposes and cannot be used for multiple individuals. Furthermore, we do not have enough units for widespread enforcement,” he said.
Similarly, the Police Commander for the Western Central Police Command, DCOP Desmond Owusu Boampong, expressed concern over what he described as lenient court sanctions for drunk driving offences.
“After we confirm a driver is over the limit, process the case, and go to court, they are sometimes fined a mere GHC30 to GHC60 cedis,” he said. “Such negligible penalties dampen our morale and undermine our efforts to get drunk drivers off the road.”
In response, the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, called for a comprehensive national policy framework to address road safety challenges.
“Listening to the police has clarified the necessary policy interventions. It is clear that enforcement is hampered by a lack of resources. Therefore, we must enhance the police’s capacity to check for drunk driving,” he said.
He added that existing laws must be strengthened to deter offenders.
“Furthermore, the law itself must send an unequivocal message: drinking and driving is unacceptable and will be met with serious consequences,” the Minister stated.