General

Road Safety Authority Calls for National Fund to Support Uninsured Crash Victims

Accra: Mr Abraham Amaliba, Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), has made a significant appeal for the establishment of a National Road Crash Victims Support Fund. The proposed fund aims to provide financial assistance to crash victims, particularly in cases where the vehicles involved are not insured.According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Amaliba highlighted the potential of the fund to support the children of parents who have lost their lives in road crashes, ensuring that their education and welfare remain uninterrupted. He emphasized the issue of uninsured vehicles, noting that while it is illegal not to insure a vehicle, some drivers continue to neglect this responsibility, leaving victims without compensation.Mr Amaliba discussed this initiative during the launch of the Mantrac Road Safety Campaign in Accra. This month-long campaign, a joint effort between Mantrac Ghana and the NRSA, seeks to engage the public through media efforts, sensitisation activities, publicity drives, an d webinars. The campaign will also include a two-day sensitisation program for Mantrac staff in various cities, preparing them to advocate for road safety.Highlighting the legal requirements in Ghana, Mr Amaliba pointed out that every vehicle owner must secure at least third-party insurance. However, the absence of insurance in some cases leaves crash victims vulnerable. He shared his experience as a lawyer, noting that while compensation can be pursued through insurance, uninsured cases often end up in court, where compensation is determined based on fault.Addressing existing efforts, Mr Amaliba commended Accident Victims Support Ghana for its voluntary work and suggested the need to formalize such initiatives through a national fund. He also urged drivers to practice caution on the roads, stressing the importance of reducing speed to prevent fatalities.Mr Amaliba concluded by reflecting on the intended purpose of motorisation, which is to facilitate the movement of people, lamenting that it has increa singly become a source of danger due to rising road crash fatalities.