Bolgatanga, Upper East Region — The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has issued a strong caution to motorists and all road users in the Upper East Region to refrain from alcohol and drug consumption during the Christmas and New Year festivities, warning that substance abuse remains a major contributor to road traffic crashes, injuries and deaths.
In a statement issued by the Upper East Regional Office of the Authority on December 23, 2025, the NRSA urged drivers and riders to prioritise safety and strictly comply with road traffic regulations to ensure a peaceful and tragedy-free festive season.
According to the NRSA, the Christmas period is traditionally marked by increased movement, social activities and long-distance travel, a situation that often results in risky road behaviours such as speeding, overloading, and driving or riding under the influence of alcohol and drugs. These behaviours, the Authority noted, impair judgement, slow reaction times, reduce alertness and significantly increase the likelihood of crashes.
Provisional statistics from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service in the Upper East Region indicate a reduction in road traffic casualties between January and November 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. The data recorded 89 crashes, 127 injuries and 58 deaths, representing reductions of 22 per cent in crashes, 27 per cent in injuries and 3.4 per cent in fatalities. Despite this improvement, the NRSA cautioned that non-compliance with road safety rules—particularly among the youth—continues to pose a serious threat to public safety.
The Authority further reminded motorists of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which prohibit driving or riding under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It also drew attention to the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, recently passed by Parliament, which lowers the permissible blood alcohol concentration level for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05, reinforcing the country’s commitment to curbing impaired driving.
To safeguard lives during the festive season and beyond, the NRSA strongly advised all road users to refrain from alcohol and drug consumption before and while driving or riding, obey speed limits and all traffic regulations, and wear approved helmets and seat belts at all times. Motorists who intend to drink were encouraged to designate sober drivers or opt for alternative modes of transportation.
The Authority also called on families, opinion leaders, drivers, riders, traditional authorities and politicians to support the campaign for a substance-free yuletide and to help promote responsible road use across communities.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the statement emphasised, adding that this Christmas should be remembered for tranquility and joy, not for avoidable road tragedies.
Source: Bluewaves Radio 93.7mhz|Maurice Duncan
