The Western Region has experienced a rise in road traffic crashes during the first half of 2023 compared to the same period last year.

A total of 374 crashes were recorded this year, with 51 being fatal, 148 serious, and 175 minor cases.

In contrast, the corresponding period in 2022 saw 354 crashes, with 43 being fatal, 150 serious, and 161 minor cases.

Tragically, there were 62 deaths and 380 injuries this year, compared to 54 deaths and 317 injuries in 2022. The report, signed by Nana Akua Ansaah, Western Regional Head of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), was shared with the Ghana News Agency in Takoradi.

The data indicated that 55 males below the age of 18 and 48 males above the age of 18 lost their lives this year, while 45 males below 18 and 41 males above 18 died in 2022. As for females, seven below the age of 18 and three above the age of 18 died this year, whereas eight below 18 and three above 18 died in 2022.

The report also revealed that 246 commercial vehicles, 229 private vehicles, and 203 motorcycles were involved in crashes in the first half of 2023, compared to 224 commercial vehicles, 226 private vehicles, and 175 motorcycles during the same period last year.

Nana Akua Ansaah called on the media and other stakeholders to continue supporting the NRSA's efforts by promoting best road safety practices to protect the citizens from road traffic-related incidents in the Western Region and the entire country.