Ghana is seeking to leverage artificial intelligence (AI) and information technology to enhance road safety across the country. The National Road Safety Authority reported 9,626 road traffic crashes from January to August 2025, highlighting the need for a proactive approach to preventing accidents. By analyzing data from various sources, including police reports, hospitals, and road agencies, officials hope to identify high-risk areas and respond with greater precision.
The proposed system would enable officials to inspect high-risk areas and decide on targeted interventions, such as installing lighting, signs, or speed control measures. AI can help identify patterns in the data, flagging areas where crashes cluster at specific hours or where repeated complaints point to deteriorating road conditions. However, the technology would not replace the need for trained professionals and local knowledge in investigating and addressing road safety issues.
A national road safety system should serve every region, including communities with limited mobile coverage, where people may report hazards by phone rather than through an app. Regional and district officers should be able to add their observations, challenge inaccurate digital reports, and act on conditions that national statistics may overlook. Ghana already has a practical starting point, with the National Road Safety Authority's toll-free short code, 194, which allows the public to report road safety problems.
The system should be designed to record, assign, and track reports, enabling residents to learn whether problems were inspected and what actions were taken. Drivers and transport operators also have a role to play, with fleet technology able to record harsh braking, speeding, and hours on the road. Used responsibly, these records could prompt companies to repair vehicles, change unrealistic schedules, or give drivers time to rest.
Timely information could also improve emergency response, with accurate location data enabling responders to reach crash scenes quickly. Dispatch teams need dependable communications, clear procedures, and coordination with health facilities. Technology can facilitate this process, but it cannot replace ambulances, trained crews, or prepared hospitals.
The implementation of this system should start with a few well-chosen road corridors in different regions, with agencies agreeing on how to record crashes and hazards, checking data quality, and publishing actions taken. Success should be measured in practical terms, such as correcting dangerous sites, acting on warnings, improving response times, and reducing harm to people.
The use of AI and IT in road safety raises questions about fairness and privacy, which must be addressed from the outset. People should be aware of what information is collected, who can access it, and how long it is kept. The system must be designed to include communities with limited digital visibility, ensuring that resources are not directed away from areas with serious risks but limited online presence.
Key points
- Ghana aims to use AI and IT to analyze data and identify high-risk areas to enhance road safety nationwide.
- The proposed system would enable officials to respond proactively to road safety issues, rather than simply reacting to accidents after they occur.
- The implementation of this system should prioritize fairness, privacy, and inclusivity, ensuring that all communities are heard and that resources are allocated effectively.
