Ministry of Health Urges Road Safety Ahead of Christmas Festivities

The Ministry of Health, through the Ghana Health Service (GHS), has extended seasonal greetings to all Ghanaians as the country prepares for the Christmas festivities, while cautioning the public about the heightened risk of road traffic accidents during the period.

According to the Ministry, the festive season has historically recorded a surge in road crashes, many of which have resulted in preventable injuries and loss of life. Data from health facilities across the country show that road-traffic-related injuries remain high, with no significant reduction in recent trends.

Evidence from hospital records, the National Road Safety Authority, the Ghana Police Service, and research institutions points to several factors contributing to these accidents and their severity. These include poor visibility during the harmattan season, increased road use, driver tiredness and fatigue, and unsafe road-use behaviours such as over-speeding, drunk driving, high-risk overtaking, non-use of seat belts and helmets, and the use of drugs, alcohol, and other stimulants by drivers. Non-adherence to road traffic regulations also remains a major concern.

The Ministry noted that most of these risk factors are human-induced and can be effectively controlled. It stressed that the health system continues to witness the devastating consequences of road crashes, including deaths, amputations, disfigurement, and other life-altering injuries, placing a heavy burden on families and health facilities.

As part of its public health advisory, the Ministry has urged drivers, as well as motorcycle and tricycle riders, to avoid over-speeding and unsafe overtaking, refrain from using alcohol, drugs, energy drinks, or stimulants before or while driving, and ensure the consistent use of seat belts and helmets. Road users are also advised to comply fully with all traffic regulations and to rest adequately before embarking on long journeys.

Passengers in both private and commercial vehicles have been encouraged to observe driver behaviour and speak up when they notice risky actions. They are advised to wear seat belts at all times. Pedestrians, on their part, are urged to use designated walkways, avoid illegal road crossings, and remain alert when on or near roads.

The Ministry of Health emphasized that road safety is a shared responsibility and called on all Ghanaians to play their part in reducing road traffic accidents during the festive season and beyond.

The statement was signed by Dr. Samuel Kaba Akoriyea, Acting Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, who reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to protecting the health and safety of all citizens.

“Stay alert. Stay safe. Save lives.”