Green Tax Youth Africa Applauds Ghana’s District Road Improvement Programme for Infrastructure Development
Green Tax Youth Africa (GTYA) has praised the Government of Ghana for its recent launch of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), a major infrastructure initiative aimed at addressing the country’s deteriorating road conditions. The commissioning of 2,240 road units under DRIP represents a critical investment in national infrastructure, one that could yield significant economic benefits if managed effectively.
Ghana’s road network is the backbone of its transportation system, serving as the dominant mode of transport for both passengers and freight across the country. Roads are particularly crucial for facilitating internal trade and regional economic integration. However, Ghana’s road infrastructure has long suffered from chronic underinvestment, with poor maintenance and a lack of safety features leading to mounting public concern. Around 30% of road accidents in the country are attributed to infrastructure deficiencies, including potholes, malfunctioning traffic lights, and faded road markings.
While the government has taken steps to address these challenges with the DRIP initiative, GTYA has urged policymakers to take a more holistic approach to road maintenance and safety.
Road Safety: A Growing Crisis
The condition of Ghana’s roads has become more than an economic issue; it is increasingly a public safety crisis. Poorly maintained roads are exacerbating an already hazardous transport environment, which includes issues such as inadequate driving skills, poorly maintained vehicles, and lax enforcement of road safety regulations.
GTYA points to notorious roads like the Accra-Madina highway, where non-functional streetlights, missing reflectors, and potholed surfaces put road users at significant risk. These conditions not only increase the likelihood of accidents but also contribute to the severity of those that occur.
Globally, road traffic accidents impose a staggering financial cost, with low- and middle-income countries like Ghana bearing the brunt of these losses. According to estimates, road traffic accidents cost the global economy approximately USD 518 billion annually. Ghana, with its underdeveloped infrastructure and rapid urbanization, has felt the impact acutely. In 2022 alone, road traffic accidents were estimated to have cost the country 1.6% of its GDP, or around GHS 1.7 billion. These figures include both direct costs—such as medical expenses and vehicle damage—and indirect costs, including lost productivity and long-term care for injured survivors.
For a country already grappling with a growing debt burden, the economic toll of road accidents is unsustainable. It adds an unnecessary strain to the national budget, which could otherwise be allocated to critical areas such as education, healthcare, and industrial development.
The Role of Policy and Technology
Established in 1999, the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) has played a pivotal role in promoting road safety in Ghana. However, despite its efforts, road accidents continue to claim thousands of lives each year. In 2023, road traffic crashes led to 2,284 fatalities and 14,397 injuries, with a concerning number of deaths involving young people under the age of 18.
Existing legislation, such as Act 567, governs road safety in Ghana, but GTYA argues that these laws must be updated to reflect the realities of modern road usage. New categories of road users, such as motorcyclists (commonly known as “Okada” riders) and tricycle riders (“Keke”), have become increasingly prominent in Ghana’s transport system. These groups, often operating outside the formal regulatory framework, are particularly vulnerable to road accidents.
GTYA has recommended that the government revise its policies to better integrate these emerging road users into the legal framework. This would include tailored safety regulations and infrastructure designed to accommodate motorcyclists and tricycle riders, who now form a crucial part of the country’s transportation ecosystem.
Furthermore, the organization has called on the government to explore the integration of technology in road management. Smart traffic lights, automated monitoring systems, and predictive maintenance technologies could dramatically improve road safety while optimizing the allocation of resources for road repairs.
Recommendations and the Way Forward
GTYA has outlined several key recommendations for improving road safety in Ghana. First, the government should implement a comprehensive road maintenance program that prioritizes regular inspections and timely repairs. This should include the installation of essential safety infrastructure, such as road markings, reflectors, traffic lights, and pedestrian walkways.
Second, existing policies must be revised to address the economic and security implications of road traffic accidents, with an emphasis on protecting life, livelihood, and property. The legal framework should be expanded to include new and emerging road users.
Lastly, a nationwide road safety campaign should be launched to educate drivers and road users on safe practices. This should be complemented by stronger accountability measures for authorities responsible for road maintenance.
GTYA has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the government and other stakeholders in tackling the pressing issue of road safety. By taking a proactive approach to road maintenance and safety, Ghana can not only save lives but also bolster its long-term economic growth.
The success of DRIP, therefore, hinges on the government’s ability to integrate these recommendations and maintain a focus on both infrastructure and safety in the years to come.
