Stakeholders applaud AngloGold for effective road safety awareness campaign

AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has launched its road safety campaign, 'Kwan so Dwoo dwoo.'

This initiative follows a successful rollout last year. The mine is partnering with several organizations. These include the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). They also collaborate with the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD), Ghana Police, Ghana National Fire Service, Ambulance Service, and Safety Campaign Ghana.

The campaign aims to educate drivers, motorists, and pedestrians on road safety. It focuses on the main Obuasi to Kumasi road. The 'drive alive, arrive alive' campaign is part of AngloGold Ashanti’s Community Safety Programme. This program is crucial to their 10-year socio-economic Development Plan.

Edmund Oduro Agyei is the Community Relations Manager at AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine. He stated that they intensified the campaign before Easter due to rising road accidents. This stretch of road is known as an accident hotspot.

Agyei emphasized that safety is a core value for the Obuasi Mine. He believes it’s important to extend this value to local communities. He noted that road safety involves both personal responsibility and community effort.

"Together, we can create a safer driving culture," he said. "This will help reduce accidents and fatalities."

Agyei reported positive impacts from the campaign. There has been a significant reduction in accidents since its launch. This includes fewer fatalities on the Kyekyewere-Dadwen road linking Kumasi to Obuasi Dunkwa and Tarkwa.

Community engagement has been key to their success, according to Agyei. They have collaborated with local authorities, transport unions, security agencies, and municipal assemblies.

Their efforts have inspired motorists and passengers to take ownership of road safety issues. Kwasi Agyenim Boateng is the Ashanti Regional Manager for NRSA. He confirmed that awareness creation has been effective.

He praised AngloGold Ashanti for their impactful campaign. Agyenim Boateng noted improved adherence to road safety regulations among drivers on highways.

However, he stressed that more work is needed in this area. The Ashanti region leads national statistics for road accidents in 2024 with 626 deaths and over 4,800 injuries recorded.

Edwin Happy Ofori manages DVLA in Obuasi. He commended AngloGold Ashanti for collaborating effectively with various stakeholders on road safety compliance.

"This sets an inspiring example for others," he said about their collective responsibility approach.

Driver Kwaku Oduro expressed gratitude towards AngloGold Ashanti's initiative. He acknowledged its positive impact on their community.

Oduro encouraged all motorists to embrace this campaign seriously. “Let us work together to make our roads safer,” he urged everyone involved.