Dearth of Policy InnovationI

Prosper Yao Tsikata, Msc.; M.A.; M.S.; Ph.D. Student

Little Investment, Big Returns

• Ghana spends US$128 million on road accidents annually, 1.6% of the country’s GDP

• 16,000 people are killed and 15,000 seriously injured in these accidents

• Evidentially, accident rates are on the ascendancy in Ghana

Deaths from Accidents

1994 1998 20070

200

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

1800

Why Accidents are Persistently High

• Over-speeding • Overloading • Non-observation of traffic rules • Lack of effective and continued law

enforcement • Non-standardized method of issuing

driving licenses and testing • Alcohol and drug use

Alteration of Seats

Environment Danger

Lack of space to Pull out victims

Imminent Danger on Vehicles

Enforcement Failures

Enforcement in other Jurisdictions

• In 2009, the city of Chicago raised US$64 million from 376 cameras at 187 red light intersections

Application of Speed Cameras

How it works

Police Traffic Patrol

Personal Experience

• Paid US$820.00 in three months• Attended Court once in

Maryland• That made me to become extra

careful or cautious on the road to avoid the fines and withdrawal of my license

Position on this Issue

• If it costs the Ghanaian Economy US$128 million or 1.6% of her GDP annually, it means inaction in reforming and implementing surveillance and prevention is a choice.

• Just 10% of the US$128 million can improve surveillance and prevention

End

•Q & A