A recent report from the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) highlights alarming road traffic crash statistics for the Upper East Region in 2024. 

The data reveals that a staggering 91% of road traffic fatalities involved young people aged 18 and above, with the majority being motorcycle users. 

The total number of crashes recorded in the region stood at 127, involving 209 vehicles, leading to 63 fatalities and 85 injuries.

While pedestrian knockdowns decreased significantly by 34.62%, the overall number of fatalities rose by 4.62%, and injuries surged by 22.52%. 

Speaking to our reporter, John Quarahie, the Regional PRO attributed motorcycles as the leading cause of death, accounting for 61.8% of fatalities.

Commercial vehicles followed at 23.5%, with private vehicles contributing 14.7%. 

He noted that motorcycle users, despite being the highest-risk group, saw a 26.3% reduction in deaths compared to 2023.

"The month of July was the deadliest, with 20 fatalities (10.2% of total deaths), followed by September (15 deaths) and December (13 deaths). Notably, male fatalities were disproportionately high, making up 90% of the total deaths, while females accounted for just 10%."

"Pedestrian fatalities also saw a worrying increase of 133.3%, rising from three in 2023 to seven in 2024", he added.

He therefore indicated that his outfit has begun partnering with various stakeholders, in introducing measures to tackle the rising motorcycle-related fatalities in the region. 

Key proposals, he said, included stricter enforcement of helmet use, speed limits, and heightened awareness campaigns on road safety.