Road safety concerns rise in Zanzibar and Ghana following fatal accidents

Authorities and stakeholders in Zanzibar and Ghana are calling for intensified road safety measures following recent surges in fatal accidents.

In Zanzibar, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Dr Khalid Salum Mohamed reported 85 road accidents over a three-month period, resulting in 61 deaths and 88 injuries. The minister emphasized the need for coordinated action among drivers, instructors, and enforcement authorities, noting that many accidents stem from a failure to observe traffic laws. To address this, a training program for driving instructors was recently concluded to improve the quality of driver education.

In Ghana, stakeholders are demanding tougher enforcement and specific restrictions to curb road carnage. Following an accident in Ofankor that killed 11 people, Professor Duah Agyemang proposed an immediate ban on motorcycles and tricycles, known locally as ‘aboboyas’, from major highways. He argued these vehicles pose a significant danger in high-speed lanes and suggested they be restricted to rural and inner-community roads. Additionally, calls have been made for the establishment of a dedicated Mobile Police Unit to patrol highways and monitor driver behavior.