The rising toll of road accidents in Ghana has reached a concerning level, prompting urgent calls for reform and stricter enforcement of existing road traffic regulations.
Mr. Albert Kwasi Boamah, Chairman of the Kumasi Sofo Line for the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPRTU), has emerged as a vocal advocate for these changes.
In a recent exclusive interview, Boamah underscored the critical need for more aggressive enforcement measures to combat the alarming frequency of road traffic accidents that claim innocent lives day by day.
Mr Boamah revealed that approximately 70% of drivers in Ghana exhibit recalcitrant behavior, routinely disregarding the road traffic regulations put in place to enhance safety. This negligence not only contributes to the rising accident rate but also raises serious questions about the accountability of drivers and the effectiveness of existing laws.
As he explained, some drivers operate illegally, while others align themselves with unregistered and counterfeit transport unions that foster further violations of road safety rules.
A significant portion of the blame, according to Boamah, lies with the political landscape. He articulated that the politicians, by failing to empower law enforcement agencies adequately, have rendered the already established road traffic regulations impotent.
Despite the existence of legal frameworks to govern vehicular conduct, police officers often find themselves unable to enforce these laws effectively, as government Boamah said always favor issues that attract levies into its coffers over the negative attitudes of the drivers.
The Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) is similarly hampered, constrained to address only severe cases such as violent crimes rather than day-to-day traffic violations.
“The Legislative Instrument Article 2180, clause 195 of 2012, provides a clear definition of what constitutes lawful driving behavior,” Boamah stated. “Yet, its application remains shrouded in mystery, as those tasked with enforcing it appear to turn a blind eye.”
He lamented the disheartening trend where officials express condolences and remorse in the wake of tragic accidents without adequately addressing the underlying issues that lead to these incidents.
Boamah also highlighted specific regulations that are currently ignored, such as prohibitions on using phones while driving and consuming alcohol in the presence of passengers. The absence of compliance with these regulations contributes to the high rate of accidents on the roads.
He pointed out that established measures against defensive driving, speeding, and unsafe overtaking are not actively enforced. As a result, dangerous driving behaviors have become normalized on Ghanaian roads.
Another pressing concern raised by Boamah is the lack of a comprehensive logbook system for long-distance drivers. This system could allow for mandated rest periods, reducing fatigue-related accidents. “We must give way for road traffic regulations to take their place; otherwise, we risk further tragedies on our roads,” he implored.
In conclusion, Chairman Albert Kwasi Boamah’s passionate plea serves as a crucial reminder of the immediate need for rigorous enforcement of road traffic regulations in Ghana.
Without decisive action, the current trajectory suggests a continued escalation in road accidents, and it is imperative that both authorities and society as a whole recognize the value of adhering to these guidelines. By prioritizing aggressive enforcement and accountability, Ghana can work towards creating safer roads and preserving lives.
