Transport Minister Assures NRSA of Support to Overcome Operational Challenges
Joseph Bukari Nikpe, the Minister of Transport, has pledged the government’s support to help the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) address its operational challenges and enhance road safety enforcement across the nation.
During his visit to the NRSA’s headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, Mr. Nikpe acknowledged the Authority’s difficulties, especially in funding, logistics, and human resources. He assured the NRSA that steps were being taken to provide the necessary resources to enable the Authority to function at full capacity.
“We understand the challenges you’re facing, but we are committed to supporting you to become fully operational,” said Mr. Nikpe. “This will give you the authority you need to carry out your duties effectively.”
The Minister encouraged the NRSA’s leadership and staff to stay dedicated despite these hurdles, assuring them that their current struggles would eventually lead to success.
Mr. Nikpe highlighted that financial constraints, particularly the capping of the NRSA’s funds, had hindered its ability to generate revenue and recruit staff. To address this, he stated that the Ministry would engage with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant authorities to explore ways of removing these financial barriers.
“If we can lift these restrictions and release the funds, the NRSA will be in a better position to address some of its operational challenges,” he added.
The Minister also mentioned the shortage of operational vehicles as another major constraint affecting the NRSA’s ability to monitor road safety compliance. On the issue of office space, he assured the Authority’s leadership that ongoing discussions would seek a solution.
Mr. Nikpe urged the NRSA to strengthen its partnership with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to enhance road safety campaigns and law enforcement efforts. “We need to enforce the laws,” he emphasized, adding that the NRSA should take the lead in these efforts. He also committed to collaborating with the DVLA to ensure that licences are only issued to qualified individuals.
In response, Abraham Amaliba, the Director General of the NRSA, outlined several pressing concerns, including insufficient office space, staffing shortages due to funding limitations, and the irregular release of funds from the Road Fund. He emphasized that while the government had demonstrated a commitment to resolving these issues, continuous financial support and proper policy enforcement were essential for effective road safety regulation.
Mr. Amaliba also pointed to challenges in retaining staff, due to uncompetitive salaries, and urged for financial clearance to recruit and maintain a competent workforce. He shared that the NRSA had not received new operational vehicles in over five years, which significantly hampered its road safety monitoring and enforcement efforts.
On the topic of commercial motorcycle (Okada) operations, Mr. Amaliba reiterated the government’s intention to legalize the practice, while prioritizing the safety of riders and other road users. He emphasized that while the government was ready to train Okada riders in road safety, the training would focus on safety measures, rather than teaching riders how to operate motorbikes.
The NRSA is also developing a training manual for Okada riders and plans to regulate their uniforms.
Mr. Amaliba assured the Minister that significant progress would be made in reducing road crash fatalities and improving enforcement in the near future. The NRSA staff expressed their full support for the Director General and committed to working diligently to enhance road safety. They also called for attention to regional offices to ensure road safety officers across the country have the necessary resources to perform their duties effectively.
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