NRSA engages MMDAs on enforcement of Road Safety Act 

Abraham Amaliba, Acting Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), is worried about road fatalities. He emphasizes the need for strict road safety enforcement.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Greater Accra to act quickly. Coordinated efforts are essential to address these challenges effectively.

During a stakeholder meeting in Accra on June 5, Mr. Amaliba highlighted the high rate of road crashes. These often lead to death or severe injuries.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility,” he said. “Today you may be a driver; tomorrow, a pedestrian.” He stressed that everyone must work together for safer roads.

Mr. Amaliba compared hospital visits to road crashes. “Everyone has a hospital card, but many won’t die from ailments,” he noted. “A road crash could be fatal in an instant.”

He pointed out that while NRSA regulates nationally, MMDAs play a crucial role. Many manage extensive urban and local roads.

Mr. Amaliba also criticized billboards on medians and footbridges. They obstruct road signs and pose security threats.

He condemned this practice as it blocks essential signage and creates hiding spots for criminals at night. La and Madina were cited as examples of unsafe pedestrian walkways due to billboards.

Acknowledging the need for change, Mr. Amaliba assured assemblies of reasonable timelines for compliance with regulations.

He encouraged MMDAs to revitalize their road safety committees and prioritize public safety in development plans.

The meeting included representatives from NRSA, Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council (GARCC), and all 29 MMDAs in the region. The goal was to foster a unified approach to implementing the Road Safety Act.

Mrs. Jemima Lomotey, Acting Chief Director at GARCC, supported collective responsibility among participants.

“This meeting helps us align our efforts,” she stated. “With your dedication, we can achieve safer roads.”

Mr. Kwame Koduah Atuahene from NRSA outlined regulatory priorities like billboard placement enforcement and transport service regulation.

“We have directed several assemblies to remove unsafe billboards,” he said, noting mixed responses received so far.

This meeting aimed to inform about next steps regarding enforcement measures for non-compliance with regulations.

Mr. Atuahene announced a masterclass series starting in July for MMDA officials involved in permitting billboards and managing infrastructure gaps.

The meeting urged Assemblies to prioritize road safety compliance and reactivate dormant committees focused on public safety issues.

Participants thanked NRSA for clear guidance during the session. A representative remarked that continued collaboration would help overcome challenges ahead.

However, assemblies raised concerns about collaboration gaps regarding public education at transport terminals where assembly officers are often sidelined.

They questioned NRSA’s partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority over unroadworthy vehicles' removal effectiveness from roads.

Other concerns included inadequate staffing levels, limited technical officers available, and only six operational transport departments across the region.

Assemblies also highlighted issues with billboard management and insufficient parking infrastructure overall due to under-resourcing challenges faced by MMDAs.