Road safety authorities in the Ashanti Region have raised concern over a steady rise in traffic fatalities, with new data pointing to speeding, weak enforcement, and the growing dominance of motorcycles and tricycles as key drivers of the trend.
According to the 2025 Road Traffic Statistics released by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the region recorded 692 road deaths in 2025, up from 626 in 2024—representing a 10.5 percent increase. Road crashes also rose by 11.1 percent, while injuries increased by 13.7 percent over the same period.
Rising role of motorcycles and tricycles
The report highlights a sharp surge in accidents involving two- and three-wheelers. Motorcycle crashes increased by 22 percent, while tricycle-related incidents jumped by 49 percent in 2025, reflecting their growing use as both commercial and informal transport options.
NRSA officials say this trend is increasingly shaping the region’s road safety landscape, particularly in densely populated and fast-expanding urban communities.
Regional disparities in fatalities
Speaking to the Ghana News Agency, Ashanti Regional NRSA Director Kwasi Agyenim Boateng noted that the impact of road crashes is uneven across the region.
Ashanti North recorded the most worrying trend, with fatalities rising by 64 percent despite fewer total crashes. Officials attribute this to excessive speeding, limited enforcement presence, and weak road infrastructure along key corridors such as Ejura–Mampong–Offinso and Akomadan routes.
In contrast, Ashanti Central recorded the highest number of crashes at 2,927 but saw a relatively stable death toll. However, injuries rose significantly, driven largely by pedestrian knockdowns and high interaction between vehicles, motorcycles, and roadside trading activities in hotspots such as Suame, Tafo, Anloga Junction, Manhyia, Asokwa, Kwadaso, and Abuakwa.
Behavioural and enforcement concerns
The report also points to rising risks linked to private vehicle use, with fatalities in that category increasing by 25 cases. Factors cited include speeding, night driving, alcohol use, and low seatbelt compliance.
NRSA says crashes peaked during the first two quarters of the year and again in the final quarter, coinciding with festive season travel surges.
New safety strategy underway
Mr. Boateng said the findings will shape the NRSA’s 2026 road safety strategy, which will prioritise corridor-based enforcement, stricter regulation of motorcycles and tricycles, speed management, and improved pedestrian safety infrastructure.
The Authority also plans to work more closely with road agencies to conduct safety audits and sustain year-round public education campaigns aimed at reducing avoidable deaths on the region’s roads.
