Ashanti Region: NADMO Prioritises Preventive Measures to Cut Back Highway Carnage

Introduction

Road safety remains a critical concern in Ghana, with the Ashanti Region being a focal point for traffic management interventions. In a decisive move to combat the rising statistics of vehicular accidents, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has rolled out a strategic initiative focused on prevention rather than reaction. This article explores the organization’s recent activities along the Kumasi–Accra highway, specifically targeting accident-prone zones to mitigate risks before they result in tragedy. By prioritizing preventive measures, NADMO aims to significantly reduce the high rate of highway carnage, ensuring safer travel for thousands of commuters daily.

Key Points

Background

The Ashanti Region, home to Kumasi—Ghana’s second-largest city—serves as a major transit hub connecting the southern and northern parts of the country. The Kumasi–Accra highway is one of the busiest economic arteries in the nation. However, this heavy traffic flow has been accompanied by a grim record of road traffic injuries and fatalities.

Historically, disaster management in Ghana has often been reactive, focusing on response and recovery after incidents occur. However, the current leadership of NADMO is shifting this paradigm. By analyzing historical accident data, the organization has identified specific geographic locations where “highway carnage” is statistically more likely to occur. This background research is essential for moving from general road safety advocacy to specific, location-based interventions.

Analysis

The decision to focus on the Asante-Akim Municipal area is not arbitrary. According to Prince Ahmed, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer for NADMO, the intervention was informed by “irritating coincidence data”—likely a translation referring to recurring or persistent accident data. This data-driven strategy is a hallmark of modern disaster risk reduction (DRR).

The Role of Signage in Behavioral Change

Physical infrastructure, such as road signage, plays a dual role. First, it serves as a cognitive trigger for drivers, forcing them to reassess their speed and driving behavior. Second, it establishes legal accountability. By placing signs that read “Slow Down, Accident Prone Area,” NADMO creates a documented warning system. If accidents persist despite clear signage, the focus of analysis can shift to enforcement or engineering changes.

Stakeholder Synergy

NADMO’s effectiveness relies heavily on collaboration. While NADMO manages disaster risk, actual traffic enforcement falls under the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD). The involvement of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) creates a “whole-of-government” approach. This synergy is crucial because:

• NRSA provides policy frameworks and safety standards.
• MTTD ensures on-ground enforcement of speed limits and traffic laws.
• DVLA ensures that vehicles on the road are roadworthy.

By integrating these bodies, NADMO ensures that their preventive warnings are backed by the potential for enforcement.

Practical Advice for Motorists

To support these initiatives and ensure personal safety, motorists traveling through the Ashanti Region, particularly the Kumasi–Accra route, should adhere to the following practical safety tips:

1. Heed Warning Signage

When you see signs indicating “Accident Prone Area,” treat them as genuine alerts. These markers are placed based on accident history. Reduce speed immediately and maintain heightened awareness of your surroundings.

2. Defensive Driving During Festive Seasons

The festive season brings a unique mix of hazards: drunk driving, fatigue from long-distance travel, and overcrowded vehicles. Maintain a safe following distance, overtake only when it is absolutely safe, and avoid speeding to meet schedules.

3. Vehicle Maintenance Checks

Before embarking on a long journey, ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Check brakes, tires, and lights. A roadworthy vehicle is less likely to contribute to highway carnage.

4. Cooperation with Enforcement Agencies

When stopped by the MTTD or other safety officials, cooperate fully. These checks are designed to save lives, not to inconvenience travelers.

FAQ

Conclusion

The initiative by NADMO in the Ashanti Region represents a vital shift from reactive disaster management to proactive risk mitigation. By installing warning signs along the Kumasi–Accra highway and fostering collaboration with the MTTD and NRSA, the organization is addressing the root causes of road accidents. The statistics from the Asante-Akim stretch—13 accidents and 6 deaths in just three months—underscore the urgency of these actions. Ultimately, the safety of Ghana’s highways is a shared responsibility. While NADMO provides the infrastructure and warnings, the ultimate reduction of highway carnage depends on the vigilance, discipline, and cooperation of every motorist on the road.

Sources

• National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) – Ashanti Regional Secretariat Reports.
• Asante-Akim Central Municipal NADMO Office Data (September–December 2025).
• Official Statements by Prince Ahmed, Ashanti Regional PRO, NADMO.
• Official Statements by Lanbon Joseph, Asante-Akim Central Municipal Director, NADMO.