LADA Institute Calls for Comprehensive Reform of Road Traffic Laws
By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh
LADA Institute is advocating for a comprehensive review of Ghana’s road traffic laws to address enforcement gaps, modernize regulatory mechanisms, and improve protection for vulnerable road users.
The call comes during the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week, which this year highlights the need to safeguard the most vulnerable road users such as pedestrians, children, and low-income commuters.
Speaking on Business Breakfast on Zed FM, Project Coordinator at the LADA Institute Shirley Haizel-Ferguson, underscored the urgent need for a thorough and context-sensitive review of the country’s road safety laws.
“Laws evolve depending on context and circumstance. We’ve reached a point where it’s essential to review both the parent Act and its subsidiary legislation to respond to emerging road safety challenges,” she stated.
According to Haizel-Ferguson, one of the key issues currently under review is the regulation of commercial motorcycling, popularly known as Okada. She also revealed that the deployment of traffic enforcement technology, particularly speed cameras, is a major focus of the proposed reforms.
“A traffic tech solution is being incorporated into the amendments to L.I. 2180. It includes speed cameras to help monitor and enforce speed limits more effectively,” she explained.
Haizel-Ferguson further noted that the LADA Institute has submitted a proposal for the amendment of Section 14 of Act 683 to make the use of child restraints and seat belts mandatory by law.
“We cannot rely solely on calls for attitudinal change. Enforceable laws are critical tools to drive behavioral transformation. Mandatory child safety restraints are necessary to protect our youngest passengers,” she highlighted.
She further stressed that legislative amendments alone are not enough. The institute is also pushing for significant investments in road infrastructure, particularly pedestrian walkways, safe road crossings, and cyclist-friendly facilities.
“We must also address the needs of cyclists and motorcyclists. At present, neither they nor other road users affected by their activities are adequately protected legally or physically,” she added. As national consultations on the road traffic law reforms continue, the LADA Institute and other stakeholders remain hopeful that the revised legislation will close legal loopholes, enhance enforcement, and ultimately reduce the rate of traffic-related injuries and fatalities across Ghana.
