The Ghana Police Service has announced a remarkable achievement in its efforts to reduce road accidents and fatalities, revealing that it has collected over 2 million cedis in fines from traffic offenders.
According to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the police, between January and October 2023, more than 2,700 drivers were convicted for various road offenses, ranging from speeding, overloading, and drunk driving, to riding without helmets.
The MTTD attributed this success to key initiatives such as Operation PAILES (Police Anti-Insecure Loading Enforcement Strategy) and Police Invisible Eyes, which involved the use of technology and intelligence to monitor and apprehend errant drivers.
Chief Superintendent Alexander Obeng, the Director for Research and Education at the MTTD, expressed optimism that these punitive measures would deter drivers from engaging in risky behaviors on the road. He spoke at the launch of the National Road Safety Authority’s “Stop speeding-Stay Alive” road safety Christmas campaign on December 5, 2023.
A Significant Drop in Road Deaths
Chief Superintendent Obeng stated that the fines imposed by the courts on the offenders amounted to 1,988,219 cedis, which went into the state coffers. He also revealed that 12 drivers were currently serving jail terms for their offenses.
He noted that the enforcement of the law had contributed to a significant drop in road deaths, especially those involving motorcycles. He said that compared to the same period last year, motorcycle-related deaths had reduced from 811 to 751.
He added that the Police Action Against Rider Indiscipline (OPERATION PAARI) had also played a vital role in sensitizing and warning riders who flouted the rules.
A Call for More Public Education and Awareness
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) commended the police for their efforts and urged them to sustain the momentum. The NRSA also called for more public education and awareness on road safety issues, especially during the festive season when road traffic tends to increase.
The NRSA Director-General, Mrs. May Obiri-Yeboah, said that the authority had launched the “Stop speeding-Stay Alive” campaign to remind drivers of the dangers of excessive speed and to encourage them to observe the speed limits.
She said that speeding was one of the major causes of road crashes and fatalities in the country, accounting for about 50% of all road deaths. She appealed to drivers to be cautious and responsible on the road and to avoid distractions such as alcohol, drugs, and mobile phones.
She also urged passengers to speak up against speeding and to report any driver who endangered their lives to the police or the NRSA.
The road safety campaign was supported by various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Transport, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, and the media.
They also expressed their hope that the campaign would help to reduce the number of road accidents and deaths in the country and to save lives and resources.
