Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, has attributed the sharp rise in road accidents in 2025 primarily to reckless driving and overspeeding rather than poor road infrastructure.

His comments follow provisional data from the NRSA showing that 2,949 people lost their lives in 14,743 road traffic crashes across Ghana between January and December 2025, representing a significant increase compared to 2024.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, January 25, Amaliba emphasised the shared responsibility of drivers in ensuring road safety.

He noted that even with the country’s poor road conditions, practicing responsible driving could have significantly reduced the number of accidents.

“Reckless driving and overspeeding. Even though poor roads also contribute, if you engage in safe driving, I have always said road safety is a shared responsibility. The drivers also have a responsibility on their part to ensure that they stay alive.

“So overspeeding, which is the doing of the driver is what contributes to more of the accidents and road crashes on our roads. The others could be a factor but if you are careful and you simply abide by the limits, even with poor roads, we still could have reduced the numbers,” he said.

Amaliba also linked the increase in accidents to the limited implementation of the Stay Alive campaign in 2025, noting that funding challenges following the restructuring of the Road Fund prevented more extensive outreach.

He expressed optimism that with the establishment of the Road Maintenance Fund and promised funds, road safety campaigns will resume fully.