Ashanti Region: NADMO Prioritises Preventive Measures to Scale Back Street Carnage

Introduction

Road safety remains a critical concern in Ghana, particularly along major transit corridors connecting economic hubs. In a proactive move to address the rising statistics of vehicular accidents, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in the Ashanti Region has launched a targeted safety initiative. This intervention focuses on the high-risk Asante-Akim stretch of the Kumasi-Accra Highway. By shifting the focus from reactive disaster response to proactive risk mitigation, NADMO aims to curb the “street carnage” that plagues this specific route, especially during high-traffic periods. This article provides a comprehensive analysis of this initiative, the data driving it, and the collaborative efforts required to ensure road safety in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The Kumasi-Accra highway is a vital economic artery connecting the capital city to the Ashanti Region and beyond. However, specific sections of this highway have gained notoriety for frequent and severe vehicular accidents. The Asante-Akim Central Municipal area, in particular, has been identified as a hotspot for road traffic incidents. Historically, road safety management in Ghana has relied heavily on enforcement by the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and engineering solutions by the Department of Feeder Roads.

However, the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has recently expanded its mandate to include disaster prevention and mitigation. Traditionally viewed as a post-disaster response agency, NADMO’s Ashanti Regional Secretariat is now leveraging its data collection capabilities to intervene in road safety. This shift acknowledges that road accidents constitute a recurring disaster that requires management similar to floods or fires. The collaboration with the Asante-Akim Central Municipal NADMO office marks a significant step in decentralizing road safety interventions.

Analysis

The initiative spearheaded by Mr. Prince Ahmed, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of NADMO, represents a paradigm shift in how road safety is managed in the region. The core of this analysis lies in understanding the “Preventive Measures” mentioned in the report.

The Role of Visual Cues in Driver Behavior

The erection of signposts inscribed with warnings such as “Slow Down, Accident Prone Area” is a psychological intervention. In road safety engineering, “passive” safety measures (like guardrails) are secondary to “active” measures that influence driver behavior. By visually alerting drivers to a specific danger zone, NADMO attempts to break the driver’s routine and induce a moment of caution. This is particularly crucial on the Kumasi-Accra highway, where long, straight stretches can encourage speeding.

Data as the Foundation of Action

Mr. Ahmed emphasized that the intervention was informed by “nerve-racking coincidence knowledge.” This indicates that NADMO is moving away from anecdotal evidence to empirical data analysis. By identifying the Asante-Akim stretch as a high-frequency accident zone, resources are deployed efficiently rather than spread thin across the entire region. This data-centric approach allows for the identification of patterns—such as specific times of day or weather conditions—that contribute to accidents.

Multi-Agency Synergy

Road safety is a multi-faceted issue that no single agency can solve alone. The involvement of the MTTD (for enforcement), NRSA (for policy and standards), DVLA (for vehicle fitness), and MMDAs (for local infrastructure) creates a comprehensive safety net. NADMO’s role here is that of a “risk communicator” and “mitigator.” While the police enforce speed limits, NADMO provides the infrastructure to communicate those limits effectively.

Practical Advice

To translate these governmental efforts into tangible safety outcomes, road users must adopt specific behaviors. The following advice is derived from the current road safety landscape in Ghana and the specific warnings issued by NADMO:

For Motorists and Drivers

1. **Heed Visual Warnings:** When you see a “Slow Down, Accident Prone Area” sign, treat it as a genuine threat. These signs are placed based on accident data. Reduce speed immediately and maintain that reduced speed until you are well past the marked zone.

2. **Adhere to Speed Limits:** The Kumasi-Accra highway has designated speed limits. During the festive season, the temptation to speed due to time constraints is high. However, speeding is the leading cause of fatalities in the reported statistics.

3. **Vehicle Maintenance:** Ensure your vehicle is in good condition, particularly brakes and tires, before embarking on long journeys. The DVLA regulations require roadworthiness, but self-checks are equally vital.

For Passengers

1. **Speak Up:** Passengers have the right to demand safe driving. If a driver is speeding or driving recklessly, voice your concern.

2. **Seatbelt Usage:** Ensure every passenger is belted. In the event of a crash, a seatbelt increases survival chances significantly.

For Community Members

1. **Report Hazards:** If you notice that a road sign has fallen or a pothole has developed, report it to the District Assembly or NADMO.

2. **Education:** Community leaders should utilize the data provided by NADMO to educate local youth on the dangers of the specific highway stretches.

FAQ

Conclusion

The Ashanti Region’s NADMO initiative to install safety signposts on the Kumasi-Accra highway is a commendable and necessary step toward reducing road carnage. By utilizing accident data to pinpoint danger zones and employing visual warnings to influence driver behavior, the organization is effectively bridging the gap between disaster response and prevention. However, the success of these preventive measures relies heavily on the cooperation of road users. While infrastructure and signage provide the framework for safety, responsible driving habits remain the ultimate safeguard. As the festive season approaches, the call to “slow down” is not just a suggestion—it is a life-saving directive backed by statistical reality.