KMA LAUNCHES 2022 REPORT ON ROAD SAFETY

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and its development partners namely, Bloomberg Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), Vital Strategies have launched the 3rd edition of road safety report in Kumasi.

The event which took place on 21st November, 2023 at the Golden Bean hotel had in attendance stakeholders in the transport sector, health professionals, traditional authorities, NGO’s, assembly members, representatives from the adjoining municipalities among others.

Ina welcome address, by the Metro Coordinating Director. Mr. Francis Dwira Darko, he noted that, the report provides information that enable stakeholders to track trends and assess the magnitude of road crushes in the city.

He was grateful to the development partners for their immersed contribution in this project.

Also, speaking at the event was Dr Chris Oppong the head of department at the Accident and Emergency Unit of Komfo Anokye Technology Hospital (KATH),indicated that, though it is his profession to take care of crush victims the multiple effects of the crush is a life time experience.

He added. the cost that it brings to the family and close relative are huge even to the state. He advice all the participants to be careful and safe on the roads to avert the untold hardship of road crushes. 

In the speech of the mayor, Hon. Samuel Pyne, he reiterated the call of other stakeholders that as authorities we cannot fold our arms and tolerate road carnage that causes physical, financial and psychological strain to households.

Hon .Pyne stated that, he believes that, to respond effectively to these crushes one must use a data-driven approach to make decisions which will translate into saving lives.

The mayor, acknowledges that despite efforts of National and Local stake holders, reported deaths among pedestrians, motorcyclist, tricyclist and bicyclists in Kumasi rose in 2022 by 84% compared to 76% in 2021. Unfortunately, males accounted for more than two-thirds of the reported deaths and injuries in 2022.

Again, the ‘Decade of Action’ for Roads Safety; from 2021 to 2030, outlines the target to reduce roads deaths and injuries by at least 50%. This plan aims to inspire national and local government among others to set targets and used data driven approach to achieve this goal.

He expressed his appreciation to the BIGRS, vital strategies the Ghana Police, MTTD, National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) for their support in this quest.

On that note the 56 -page report was duly launched and copies distributed.