The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) is ramping up efforts to reduce road accidents in the Ashanti Region, focusing particularly on dangerous sections of the Kumasi–Accra Highway.

Officials from the Ashanti Regional Secretariat, working with the Asante-Akim Central Municipal NADMO office, have recently installed new road safety signs along the Asante-Akim stretch of the highway.

These signs, which read “Slow Down, Accident Prone Area,” are intended to warn drivers and discourage speeding, especially with the increase in traffic expected during the upcoming festive season.

Prince Ahmed, Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of NADMO, explained that the initiative was prompted by concerning accident data inherited by the current administration. The data highlighted the Asante-Akim stretch as a hotspot for accidents, making preventative measures crucial.

“We realised from the data that this area records frequent accidents,” Mr Ahmed stated. “While it may be impossible to eliminate accidents entirely, we are determined to significantly reduce their occurrence through proactive measures.”

He emphasized that this is not an isolated effort, but part of a broader regional strategy. NADMO is collaborating with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), and Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to promote safer road usage.

“Disaster prevention is a collective responsibility,” Mr Ahmed stressed. “Stakeholder engagement and community acceptance are vital to achieving lasting results.”

Lanbon Joseph, the Asante-Akim Central Municipal Director of NADMO, revealed that between September 1st and December 2nd of this year, 13 accidents occurred on the stretch, involving approximately 100 passengers. Sadly, six lives were lost.

Mr. Joseph noted that this figure doesn’t include incidents involving heavy-duty trucks, suggesting the actual number of accidents could be higher. He added that the current interventions are preventative in nature, aiming to minimize fatalities and injuries on major highways throughout the Ashanti Region.

He appealed to all motorists to pay attention to road safety signs, adhere to traffic regulations, and cooperate with law enforcement to ensure safety for everyone on Ghana’s roads.

Image Source: MYJOYONLINE