Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu Constituency Ras Mubarak, has called for swift and decisive measures to deal with the “epidemic” of fatal road accidents across the country.
His letter follows a tragic crash on June 25 near Oframase on the Accra-Kumasi Highway, where several lives were lost.
Mr. Mubarak noted that this incident is part of a persistent crisis claiming over 2,000 lives annually.
In the letter dated June 26, 2025, the former MP referred to Ghana’s highways as “death traps,” citing systemic issues including unchecked speeding, poor road infrastructure, and inadequate enforcement of traffic laws.
He noted that 89% of vehicles on Ghanaian roads exceed safe speed limits, urging the government to enforce strict speed controls through technology and penalties.
Highlighting several recent fatal crashes including the April 2025 Amanase incident and the Obretema crash in September 2024 Mubarak criticized the current pace of regulatory reform.
“Systemic failures predating your tenure are costing us dearly,” he stated, addressing the Minister directly while demanding urgent reforms in infrastructure and law enforcement.
The former Parliamentarian outlined eight specific interventions, ranging from mandatory GPS tracking in commercial vehicles and steep fines for speeding, to motorcycle regulation and rest mandates for long-haul drivers.
He stressed that these measures have seen success in other African countries like Rwanda and Uganda, calling for their swift implementation in Ghana.
“The blood of over 2,000 victims in 2024 alone demands accountability and action,” Mr. Mubarak warned.
He also pushed for strengthened emergency response systems, public awareness campaigns, and judicial reforms to fast-track the prosecution of traffic offenders.
He also called on the Minister to partner with the National Road Safety Authority, Ghana Police Service, and Parliament for the smooth implementation of the above.
To Mr. Mubarak, the Oframase tragedy must “be the tipping point for change,” imploring national leaders to “reclaim our highways from the jaws of death.”
The letter was copied to key stakeholders including Parliament leadership, the Chief of Staff, the National Road Safety Authority, and various transport agencies.
