Superintendent Alexander Obeng, Head of Research Education and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has disclosed that the number of road accidents has increased exponentially after the lockdown was lifted.
As the COVID-19 pandemic hit Ghana, some parts of the country including Greater Accra, Kumasi, Tema and Kasoa were locked down for 3 weeks.
The lockdown led to some calm on the roads of these areas as most of them were relatively deserted, with an all low record of road accidents because of the restrictions placed on movement.
However, a few weeks after the lockdown was lifted, the incidence of road accidents has picked up again, with the country recording more road casualties than it did in the pre lockdown period.
Speaking to Happy 98.9FM’s Samuel Eshun, host of the Happy Morning Show on the effects of COVID-19 on road safety, Supt Alex Obeng said, “After the lockdown was lifted the road was relatively calm with fewer road users but increased overspeeding and wrongful overtaking. On 21st April alone, between 47-50 people died in a road accident and this was after the lockdown was lifted.”
He observed that Ghanaians have now developed a high regard for personal hygiene, respecting all protocols to help fight the pandemic. But were still lacking in one aspect of our everyday lives. “The behaviour of road users and drivers have not changed. They are overspeeding more than ever with more casualties recorded.”
When asked why the police were not doing anything to reduce the incidence of the increasing road accidents, he revealed that their job was not an isolated one. “We have to work with road users to make sure that education is effective.”
He furthered that the police has done its job and is now focusing on social engagements to get road users to buy into their message. “But after this education, we will be clamping down on drivers who disregard road safety regulations with full force.”
The police officer appealed to road users to prioritise the safety of their passengers and give high regard to road safety regulations.
By: Joel Sanco
