As Ghana prepares for the 2024 elections, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has taken a proactive step to reduce incidence of road traffic accidents, which tend to spike during election years.
In a strategic move, the NRSA has engaged political parties on road safety measures and practices for political activities in the Upper East region.
During the engagement, a comprehensive guide document containing the road safety code of practice for political activities was distributed to the political parties.
This code, prepared in collaboration with key partners such as the Police Service, Electoral Commission, political parties, and CSOs as well as NGOs in road safety, serves as a guide for politicians, political parties, and their supporters to promote road safety during election-related activities.
According to the NRSA, an average of 2,000 road traffic deaths are recorded annually in Ghana, with election years being particularly perilous for road users.
Statistics show that road traffic incidents, including crashes, injuries, and deaths, increased significantly in election years, posing a threat to national development.
Engaging political parties and promoting road safety practices, the Authority aims to mitigate the risks associated with election-related activities and ensure a safer and more responsible electoral process.
With the guide document in place, political parties and their supporters are encouraged to prioritize road safety, reducing the risk of accidents and promoting a culture of responsibility on Ghana’s roads.
John Quarshie, an officer of the Authority appealed to political parties to “prioritize road safety in the upcoming electioneering campaigns”.
“Take necessary precautionary measures to avoid accidents and ensure the well-being of your supporters and other road users,” he admonished.
