Ghana is facing a growing road safety emergency as pedestrian deaths continue to rise sharply, with road safety authorities warning that speeding, reckless driving and drug-impaired motorists are turning streets and residential communities into deadly danger zones.
The Greater Accra Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Joshua Kwasi Quist, described the situation as a major public safety crisis demanding urgent action.
According to him, pedestrian knockdown deaths increased from 590 in 2024 to 704 in 2025, while the first four months of 2026 alone have already recorded 666 knockdowns and 181 deaths nationwide.
Greater Accra accounted for 43 of the fatalities, raising alarm over worsening road safety conditions in the capital.
Mr Quist revealed the figures during a joint inspection exercise with officials of the National Road Safety Authority and the Tema West Municipal Assembly across accident-prone communities including Sakumono, Kotobabi, Baatsonaa and Global Down.
The inspection followed persistent complaints from residents over excessive speeding on inner roads within residential areas.
Mr Quist blamed the majority of crashes on human behaviour, stressing that between 85 and 90 per cent of accidents are linked to driver negligence, dangerous overtaking, speeding and the use of substances such as tramadol and rohypnol.
He warned that many motorists ignore the fact that every driver eventually becomes a pedestrian after parking their vehicle.
“Drivers must understand that the roads are not race tracks. The moment you step out of your car, you also become vulnerable,” he cautioned.
The Tema West Municipal Chief Executive, Ludwig Teye Totimeh, admitted that overspeeding has become a persistent threat across the municipality, with some roads recording frequent crashes because motorists treat them like testing grounds for their vehicles.
He disclosed that the assembly has begun aggressive traffic-calming measures, including the installation of speed humps, rumble strips and zebra crossings across electoral areas in an effort to reduce fatalities.
According to him, the Kotta stretch had become notorious for crashes due to reckless speeding by drivers taking advantage of the smooth road surface.
Mr Totimeh also warned motorists against ignoring newly installed safety infrastructure, stressing that speeding over rumble strips defeats the purpose of public investment aimed at saving lives.
Authorities are now urging drivers to exercise extreme caution around schools, transport terminals and residential communities where pedestrian activity is high, as pressure mounts for stronger enforcement against reckless driving across the country.
