The Chaplain General of the Ghana Police Service and Commissioner of Police (COP), Very Reverend Father George Arthur, has called on motorists, drivers, and pedestrians to strictly observe road safety regulations. He warned that reckless driving and negligence continue to claim lives and devastate families across the country.
Speaking at the National All Drivers Summit held in Accra yesterday, COP Arthur reminded participants that the Ghana Police Service, through its Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), remains a key partner in ensuring road safety. The programme sought to educate the public on the need to adhere to road traffic regulations.
He stressed that keeping roads safe is a shared responsibility requiring the collective effort of all citizens. He urged drivers and pedestrians alike to respect road signs and unite in promoting responsible driving practices, cautioning against dangerous behaviors such as using mobile phones while driving, drink-driving, overspeeding, wrongful overtaking, and overloading vehicles.
“Road accidents continue to have devastating consequences: loss of lives, destruction of property, broken families, and affected communities. Offenders must be held accountable. Awareness and precaution are critical in preventing crashes,” he stated.
COP Arthur also appealed for moral responsibility among drivers, warning that reckless behaviour—especially after seeking divine protection—undermines the value of life, which he described as sacred and irreplaceable.
Echoing these concerns, the President of the Accident Victim Support Foundation, Rev. Cyril Benedict Crabbe, urged stronger collaboration among all stakeholders involved in road safety. He called on government agencies, transport unions, civil society organisations, and the public to participate actively in road safety initiatives. Rev. Crabbe stressed the importance of continuous public education and strict compliance with traffic laws, advising drivers to observe speed limits, avoid reckless driving, and respect road signs.
The Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority, Mr Joshua Quist, expressed concern over the rising number of road fatalities recorded in 2025, particularly in the Greater Accra Region.
• Some dignitaries at the summit
He revealed that motorbike riders, popularly known as “Okada” riders, accounted for 1,371 deaths, while pedestrian fatalities stood at 704.
“These two groups alone account for approximately 54 per cent of road traffic deaths in the region,” he mentioned, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Mr Quist also reaffirmed the authority’s commitment to working closely with the Accident Victim Support Foundation, noting that accident prevention must be complemented by robust support systems for victims. He commended the foundation for its role in relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy, describing it as a critical partner in road safety management.
He again raised concerns about unsafe practices in some parts of the country, particularly in northern Ghana, where some motorbike riders reportedly use calabashes as helmets—a practice he described as dangerous and unacceptable.
BY HILDA NSAMI
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