Motor accidents in Western Region increases, 182 deaths recorded from Jan-Sept 2011
Road accidents in the Western Region have increased considerably with 182 deaths between January and September 2011 as against 136 deaths recorded within the same period in 2010.
Twenty-five people were killed between October and December 2010, bringing the total number of people killed in 2010 to 161, Mr Henry Boama Asomani, Regional Planning Officer of the National Road Safety Commission, said at a meeting with stakeholders on Tuesday in Takoradi.
The meeting was also used to launch this year’s Road Safety Week with the theme “Road safety, a shared responsibility”. Transport institutions which had excelled in the sector over the period were awarded with prizes and certificates.
Mr Asomani said while 1,088 people were injured and 177 knocked down involving 1,125 vehicles in 2010, the first three quarters of 2011 recorded 825 injuries and 110 people knocked down which involving 891 vehicles.
Alarmed by the statistics released the speakers, participants and journalists at the programme said they would join the campaign to ensure safety on the roads.
Those present included Nana Kobina Nketsia V, Omanhene of Essikado Traditional Area, Capt Anthony Cudjoe (rtd), Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Chief Executive, Shiek Nasuredeen, Representative of the Chief Imam, Rev Samuel Addison of the Sekondi Anglican Diocese, Rev. Boama Agyekum, a Member of the Road Safety Committee.
Nana Kobina Nketsia said he would organise programmes to educate his people on the subject matter and also drive at a slow pace even on the highways, Mr Osei Poku, pointed out that all the institutions in the metropolis would be mobilized to join in the campaign.
Capt Cudjoe said he would step up advertisement on road safety in the metropolis to create the awareness among the people and ensure the intensification of the campaign.
Rev. Addison said he would sensitize the congregation on road safety and Rev. Agyekum said he would embark on education drive in churches, schools and public meetings.
Shiek Nasuredeen said the Muslim Community would have their education on traffic regulations at their premises to make the roads safe.
Journalists present also encouraged the public of using their reportage and electronic medium to impress on motorists to strictly observe traffic regulations.
The InterCity State Transport Corporation was adjudged the best transporter in the region over the period, while the second position was taken by the Metropolitan Mass Transit Organisation with the third position going to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union.
They all had cash prizes and certificates.
Source: GNA