NRSA Boss vows tougher road safety measures amid rising fatalities
The Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Lawyer Abraham Amaliba, has outlined an ambitious plan to address Ghana’s escalating road traffic fatalities, emphasising stricter enforcement of road regulations and infrastructural improvements.
Speaking on TV3’s Hot Issues programme on Sunday, March 23, 2025, Lawyer Amaliba acknowledged the growing concerns over road accidents and pedestrian safety.
Since assuming office two months ago, he has implemented several interventions, including site inspections of pedestrian walkways and footbridges, summoning transport operators over reckless driving, and taking swift action against hazardous advertising structures obstructing visibility on roads.
Pedestrian safety and road infrastructure
Lawyer Amaliba revealed that his first major action as NRSA head was to inspect pedestrian crossings and footbridges in Accra, following alarming statistics on pedestrian knockdowns.
He engaged relevant authorities to expedite the completion of the N1 footbridge, a critical infrastructure project aimed at reducing pedestrian fatalities.
Additionally, he ordered the removal of billboards obstructing motorists’ views under the East Legon underbridge after a viral video highlighted the danger. "I immediately called the advertising company responsible, and by the next day, they had removed them all," he stated.
Regarding road infrastructure, Lawyer Amaliba cited the deteriorating state of guardrails at the Brimso Bridge on the Kumasi highway, which poses a significant risk to motorists. He issued a compliance notice to the Ghana Highways Authority and vowed legal action if repairs were not carried out promptly.
Tackling illegal parking and hawking on walkways
The NRSA boss also raised concerns about the parking of articulated trucks on highways, a practice that has led to several fatal crashes.
He disclosed that he had asked regional ministers to work with district assemblies to allocate designated parking areas for such vehicles, a move he believes will enhance safety while also providing business opportunities for vendors.
Regarding the encroachment of pedestrian walkways by street vendors, he stressed the importance of collaboration with district assemblies to enforce regulations. "I am not against traders making a living, but pedestrian walkways must remain free for pedestrian use," he asserted.
Strengthening compliance
Recognising that non-compliance remains a major hurdle, the NRSA boss assured his commitment to using legal instruments to enforce road safety laws.
"All these regulations existed before I took office, but without strict enforcement, they remain ineffective. I am here to change that," he said.
He stated that he has since engaged key transport operators, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and major bus operators, to ensure compliance with safety protocols. "I have made it clear that there is a new sheriff in town. Those who fail to comply will face the consequences," he warned.
"When you apply the law, and you know you are right, there is nothing to fear," he declared, signalling a new era of road safety enforcement in Ghana.
