The Eastern Regional Directorate of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has released provisional statistics for road traffic crashes and casualties in the region for the year 2024, revealing a worrying increase in fatalities and injuries despite a decline in the number of reported crashes.
According to the report, a total of 13,489 road crashes were recorded in 2024, involving 22,975 vehicles.
These crashes resulted in 15,607 injuries, 2,395 pedestrian knockdowns, and 2,494 fatalities.
This marks an increase in deaths and injuries compared to 2023, even though the number of reported crashes, pedestrian knockdowns, and vehicles involved decreased.
In 2023, the region recorded 14,135 road crashes, involving 23,998 vehicles, with 2,276 fatalities, 2,559 pedestrian knockdowns, and 15,409 injuries. The 2024 figures show a concerning trend, as the severity of crashes appears to have worsened, leading to more deaths and injuries despite fewer incidents.
The statistics were disclosed during a meeting between the Eastern Regional Minister, Rita Akosua Awatey, and the Eastern Regional Heads of Department in Koforidua.
Addressing the departmental heads, Mrs. Awatey urged them to move beyond administrative roles and become actively involved in fieldwork.
“Do not be armchair leaders and managers,” she emphasized. “Be field officers who acquaint themselves with the realities on the ground and the happenings in your areas of work.”
Mrs. Awatey also highlighted her commitment to improving education and creating job opportunities in the region. She announced plans to prioritize the establishment of more Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to equip the youth, particularly the unemployed, with practical skills.
“Expanding TVET opportunities will help create jobs for the youth, which will, in turn, reduce crime rates linked to financial difficulties in the region,” she stated.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Obed Ansah
