DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY AND ACTION PLANS IN GHANA

摘要

Road safety management in both developed and developing countries continues to poseenormous challenges.Whilst highly motorized countries have over the last decade consistently reduced Road TrafficAccidents (RTA), injuries and fatalities, most developing countries continue to experienceincreasing trends in Road Traffic Accidents and casualties.It can be demonstrated that countries that have developed well thought of proactive,integrated multi-sectoral and data led National Road Safety Strategy and Action Plans canreduce and prevent RTAs and casualties.Ghana developed and implemented its first National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS I) andAction Plans in 2001 for the period 2001 – 2005. Based on an evaluation carried out in 2006on the first strategy, a second National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS II) has been developedfor the period 2006 – 2010. The Strategy critically examines the success factors in the firststrategy, challenges faced with the implementation, trends in Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) inGhana and global best practices.The essential elements of the second strategy include the following:1. A national vision for road safety2. Clearly defined strategic objectives3. Focus on RTA areas with the potential to make maximum impact in achieving thestrategic objectives4. Key performance indicators for assessing performance and tracking effectiveness ofpolicy initiatives5. Responsibilities of primary stakeholder implementing agencies6. A major input for road user education, information and publicity7. Strong emphasis on coordination and collaboration.