Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe Declares National Emergency as Road Fatalities Hit 20-Year High

Ghana’s Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has officially declared the state of road safety in the country a national emergency following a staggering rise in traffic-related deaths. Speaking at the 2026 Transport Sector Review Conference in Ho, the Minister revealed that road traffic fatalities reached 2,954 in 2025, marking the highest death toll in over two decades. This alarming trend is underscored by a 31.6% surge in reported crashes between 2021 and 2025, a statistic Nikpe described as a series of real-world tragedies that continue to devastate families and communities across the nation.

The human cost of this crisis was further illustrated by two major recent accidents. In Kumasi’s Krofrom area, a multi-vehicle collision involving a DAF trailer, a 'Pragyia' tricycle, and a motorbike left at least two people feared dead and several others injured. Initial reports suggest the trailer suffered brake failure while descending a slope, with investigators also raising concerns about the poor condition of the vehicle’s tyres. Simultaneously, on the Tema-Aflao Highway, a crash at Matsekorpe Junction claimed the life of one female passenger and injured eight others. This incident, involving two taxis and a Toyota Corolla, was reportedly caused by high-speed, dangerous overtaking.

These recent incidents highlight the recurring themes of mechanical failure and driver negligence that the Ministry of Transport aims to address. In the Krofrom crash, the involvement of the Ghana National Fire Service and the Police was necessary to manage the significant disruption to local traffic and assist victims. Meanwhile, local officials at the Sege-Kasseh highway crash site have joined the chorus of voices calling for more efficient emergency response systems and improved road safety measures to mitigate the impact of such collisions.

Minister Nikpe emphasized that while the government continues to invest in transport infrastructure, the benefits of these projects cannot be fully realized without a drastic improvement in safety standards. He urged a collective effort from government agencies, transport operators, and all road users to change the current trajectory. As investigations continue into recent crashes, the Ministry is expected to pivot toward stricter enforcement of vehicle maintenance regulations and intensified public education campaigns to curb the rising tide of road carnage.