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WHO hails Ghana’s new road safety law as lifesaving milestone
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has hailed Ghana’s new road traffic law and safety standards on child restraints and motorcycle helmets as a critical intervention that will save lives and prevent serious injuries on the roads.
The law and standards, adopted by Parliament in December 2025 and enforced from early 2026, bring Ghana “largely in line with WHO road safety legal recommendations,” the Organisation said in its latest publication shared with the Ghana News Agency.
The WHO noted that the reforms come at a time of growing concern over road traffic deaths in the country, which rose by 65 per cent between 2016 and 2021 to nearly 3,000 deaths annually.
With close to 26 road deaths per 100,000 population, Ghana’s fatality rate is significantly higher than the WHO African Regional average of 19 per 100,000 and the global average of 15 per 100,000.
“Ghana’s amendment to the national road traffic act and new safety standards marks a major step forward for road safety,” Dr Fiona Braka, the WHO Representative in Ghana said.
“WHO is proud to have helped shape these changes that will save lives on the roads,” he added.
Dr Braka emphasized that effective road safety required more than legislation, pointing to the need for “good laws and policies, strong leadership, coordination and enforcement” to build transport systems that put people and safety first.
A key lifesaving provision of the new law is the comprehensive framework on child safety restraints. WHO said the law meets all its recommendations, including mandatory child car seats that are appropriate to the age, height, weight and physical vulnerabilities of infants and young children.
“Child safety restraints have been shown to reduce deaths in crashes by up to 71 per cent among younger infants,” the WHO said, adding that it has produced a manual for decision-makers to support the use of vehicle occupant restraints.
The WHO also highlighted the strengthened drink-driving provisions as another major public health gain. Drinking and driving, it said, significantly increases the risk of fatal road crashes.
Evidence shows that between 33 per cent and 69 per cent of drivers killed in road collisions in low- and middle-income countries had consumed alcohol.
Under the new law, Ghana has reduced the legal blood alcohol concentration limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05 grams per decilitre, a level that WHO said meets most of its legal recommendations.
Motorcycle safety was also identified as a major lifesaving focus of the reforms. Motorcycle riders account for about a third of all road deaths in Ghana, according to WHO.
Under the new standards, all riders are required to wear safe and high-quality helmets. WHO said such helmets reduce the risk of death by more than six times in the event of a crash.
The WHO noted that Ghana’s achievements form part of a broader global effort to reduce road traffic injuries and deaths.
Globally, nearly 1.2 million people die from road traffic crashes each year, WHO said, noting that road crashes remain the leading cause of death among children and young people aged five to 29. –GNA
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
