Korle Bu Reports Sharp Rise in Emergency Cases as National Road Safety Project Launches

The Accident and Emergency Department at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH) has reported a significant surge in daily patient attendance, with cases rising from an average of 50-70 to over 100 patients daily. Dr. Henry Bulley, Head of the department, revealed that the facility is grappling with an influx of both trauma and non-trauma medical emergencies, including strokes, severe diabetic complications, and road traffic accidents. For the first half of 2026, the department recorded 7,781 emergency cases, with road crashes accounting for a notable 7.11% of the total volume. Medical staff expressed deep concern regarding the clinical state of new arrivals, noting that an increasing number of patients are arriving unconscious or in critical conditions that were historically managed at the clinic level.

Despite the rising number of road traffic victims—increasing from 368 in 2024 to 553 in the first half of 2026—there has been a slight improvement in survival rates. The department recorded 10 deaths from road crashes in the first half of 2026, a decrease relative to previous years' mortality ratios, which Dr. Bulley attributed to significant enhancements in emergency care and the availability of medical services. However, he emphasized that the pressure on the facility remains high, particularly during festive seasons and school vacations when travel increases. He called for urgent investigation into these health trends and intensified public education to curb the severity of trauma cases.

In a direct response to the growing concerns over road safety, the Road Travel Safety and Tourism Project was recently launched in Accra. Initiated by the Ghana Tourism Authority Ex-staff Association (GHATEX) in collaboration with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), this five-year initiative aims to reduce crashes and improve driver behavior, specifically targeting routes leading to tourist sites. The project seeks to address long-standing issues such as poor vehicle maintenance and irresponsible driving practices through a sustained public education campaign, ensuring that Ghana's tourism growth is not undermined by safety risks.

National leaders within the sector have underscored the importance of collective responsibility in addressing these trends. NRSA Director-General Abraham Amaliba and GTA CEO Maame Afua Houadjeto highlighted that safe transport infrastructure is a critical pillar for national development and domestic tourism. As Korle Bu continues to manage the front-line impact of road trauma, this new multi-agency project represents a strategic effort to mitigate the causes of such emergencies. The initiative aligns with broader governmental priorities to improve road safety and protect both citizens and visitors during peak travel periods.