Professor Raymond Atuguba, Dean of the University of Ghana School of Law, has stressed the pressing need for enhanced road safety in Ghana. He highlighted this critical issue during the 25th anniversary celebration of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), held at the University of Ghana on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
The event marked the DVLA’s 25 years of transformation and public service, bringing together employees and community members to reflect on the agency’s journey and its impact on road safety and vehicle licensing nationwide.
In his keynote address, Prof. Atuguba highlighted the gravity of Ghana’s road safety crisis, presenting it as both a public safety and public health concern. He emphasized that the high number of lives lost and the economic toll caused by road accidents demand urgent action.
“Road safety in Ghana is a critical public safety issue and a major public health concern. The carnage on our roads is unacceptable and requires urgent intervention. Every year, thousands of lives are lost to road accidents, with even more people suffering serious injuries.”
“Every day, when my children leave for school, we start praying for their safety on the roads. And we haven’t even counted the economic losses in terms of medical expenses, loss of productivity, and damage to infrastructure and property. We all know what I am talking about. Since childhood, I have lost neighbors to road accidents. My roommates here at Legon, during our first year, died in an avoidable and horrific accident. I have been a victim of road accidents myself.”
Prof. Atuguba’s words resonated with the audience, emphasizing the urgent need for stronger road safety measures to prevent further fatalities. His personal experiences underscored the emotional and social cost of the road safety crisis in Ghana, further highlighting the need for immediate and sustained action.
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Story by: Viglo Emmanual | universnews.ug.edu.gh
