NRSA ENGAGES STAKEHOLDERS TO STRENGTHEN ROAD SAFETY ENFORCEMENT AND OPERATIONALIZE NEW REGULATIONS

published: June 7, 2025, 2:12 p.m.

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) engaged Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) within the Greater Accra Region in Accra on June 4.

The key engagement, hosted by the Greater Accra Regional Coordinating Council, aimed to influence policy direction and effectively integrate road safety regulations into local governance structures, particularly at the MMDA level, to drive sustainable progress in road safety management.

The Director-General of the Authority, Abraham Amaliba, Esq., in his address emphasized the critical role of stakeholders, including local governance bodies, in shaping and enforcing road safety policies, reaffirming the Authority’s commitment to enhancing road safety across the nation.

He further noted that while the NRSA is the regulatory Authority for road transport and related services, its successful implementation depends on the active collaboration of various stakeholders, at the top of which are the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies. “The MMDAs serve as both targets of the Authority’s oversight and essential partners in the realization of road safety objectives,” he said.

The Director-General stressed the pivotal role of the MMDAs in translating and implementing national road safety directives into localized, actionable initiatives, the reason behind the establishment of the District Road Safety Committees.

The NRSA also made a critical call for the removal of inappropriately mounted advertising boards from road medians, citing the risks posed by these obstructions to motorists and pedestrians. “Strategic placement of advertisements must align with safety standards to prevent hazards on our roads,” the Director-General stated, stressing the importance of safeguarding visibility and preventing crashes.

The Director in charge of Regulations, Inspections, and Compliance, Kwame Koduah Atuahene, Esq., in his address to the audience, explained in detail the NRSAs regulatory mandate: as a Road Safety Regulatory Authority, and a Regulatory Authority for Road Transport Services.

He stated further that the NRSA's regulatory duties involve working with the Ghana Standards Authority to establish road safety standards, licensing Commercial Road Transport Operators, overseeing Tyre Service Centres and workshops, and ensuring major road projects meet safety requirements before public access is allowed.

The regulatory responsibilities apply to transport unions, passenger and haulage companies, public and private transport departments, tyre service centres and mechanic shops, outdoor advertising firms, and various road safety stakeholders, including MMDAs.

Mr. Atuahene explained that Road Safety Inspections encompassed road safety products and equipment, transport services, terminals, lorry parks, rest stops, road works under construction, and physical structures like billboards. Inspections also covered locations where there are concerns about compliance with road safety laws and standards.

“Under Section 29 of the NRSA Act, 2019 (Act 993) and Regulation 63 of the NRSA Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2468), the NRSA must work with MMDAs to establish standards for terminals and routes. MMDAs are responsible for issuing permits for route and terminal operations based on jointly developed guidelines and enforcing road transport operating standards through this collaboration”, he added.

MMDA representatives actively participated in discussions and pledged their full support for collaboration. La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly was commended for its leadership in responding to the Authority’s Compliance Notice with appropriate remedial actions.

The Chief Director of the Greater Accra Coordinating Council, Madam Lilian Baeka stood in the stead of the Regional Minister, Hon. Linda Obenewaa Akweley Ocloo, who was occupied with another meeting.

The engagement aims to strengthen future road safety initiatives, supporting the NRSA in its ongoing mission to protect lives and enhance overall road safety in the country.