The Ghana Health Service (GHS) has sounded the alarm over an expected spike in road traffic accidents during the Christmas season, issuing a press release to caution the public and promote safer behaviours on the nation’s roads.
Expressing concern about the rising trend of road crashes, which have led to preventable injuries and tragic losses of life, the GHS highlighted a combination of factors that typically contribute to accidents at this time of year. These include poor visibility due to the Harmattan, heavier traffic as more people travel, driver fatigue, and dangerous road user behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, high-risk overtaking, non-use of seat belts, and the influence of drugs, alcohol, and stimulants. Non-adherence to basic traffic regulations was also cited as a major contributor.
To help curb the risk, the Ghana Health Service is offering practical advice to all road users, from drivers and tricycle riders to motorcyclists, passengers, and pedestrians. Key recommendations include:
Avoiding over-speeding and overtaking in unsafe or unauthorised areas
Not using drugs, alcohol, or energy drinks before driving
Always wearing seat belts
Passengers are urged to play their part by watching out for dangerous driving, speaking up if they notice risky behaviour, consistently wearing seat belts, using designated walkways, avoiding illegal crossings, and remaining alert near roads.
The GHS emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on the public to help reduce traffic accidents not just during the festive season, but throughout the year.
The press release, signed by Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director of the GHS, was issued on December 15, 2025, as a timely reminder for all Ghanaians to prioritise safety during the holidays.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
