The Western North Region has taken a proactive step towards combating road accidents with the inauguration of a 16-member committee by the Regional Coordinating Council.
The inauguration of this committee underscores the region’s commitment to enhancing road safety and fostering collaboration among various stakeholders to mitigate the occurrence of road accidents.
According to reports, the region witnessed 237 road accidents in 2023, resulting in 83 fatalities and numerous injuries. Commercial vehicles accounted for 110 accidents, followed by 72 incidents involving private cars, and 164 cases involving motorcycles and tricycles.
However, the region has shown improvement in 2024, ranking 7th among the 16 regions in terms of road accident casualties within the first quarter of the year.
The newly constituted committee comprises key stakeholders such as the Regional Health Director, Regional Fire Command, Chairman of the GPRTU (Ghana Private Road Transport Union) in the Region, Ambulance Service, representatives from religious bodies, and the media.
They have been entrusted with the responsibility of spearheading an aggressive campaign to reduce accidents on the region’s roads.
In a statement to GBCNEWS following the inauguration, Chief Director Ebenezer Amoah, speaking on behalf of the Regional Minister, emphasized the importance of teamwork in reducing road accidents.
He highlighted the inclusion of all road users, including Okada riders, in the collective effort.
Oheneba Kwame Acheampong, Acting Manager of the Western North Regional Road Safety Authority, shed light on the committee’s purpose and called upon the media to actively participate in the fight against road accidents.
James Hackman, Deputy Manager of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Ambulance Service, urged the committee to focus on training volunteers to provide assistance to accident victims on the roads.
He also emphasized the importance of utilizing the toll-free number 112 to offer immediate assistance during emergencies.
By Kwame Bomassah | UNIIK Fm.
