ACCRA: As the sun sets over the bustling highways of Ghana, shadows lengthen across roads that should symbolize progress and connectivity. Instead, these highways have morphed into silent killers, claiming lives every day, shattering families, and leaving scars that never fully heal. According to Ghana News Agency, Ama Serwaa, a 32-year-old mother of two, lost her husband, Kwame, in a tragic highway crash last year. He was driving on the N1 Motorway when a speeding truck rammed into his car from the rear, resulting in a fatal impact. Ama's sorrow echoes through the hearts of thousands across Ghana, underscoring a devastating reality that demands urgent attention. Statistics from Ghana's National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) show that from January to July 2024, the country experienced 7,470 road traffic crashes involving 12,678 vehicles. These accidents resulted in 9,965 casualties, including 1,405 fatalities and 8,560 injuries, marking a 13 percent increase in deaths compared to the same period last year. G hana's highways have become a silent epidemic, with over 2,000 deaths recorded annually in recent years, according to Ghana's Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI). The Accra-Kumasi Highway and other major routes are identified as hotspots for road crashes. Prof. Williams Ackaah, Principal Research Scientist at CSIR-BRRI, highlighted the concerning state of road safety in an interview, noting challenges such as inadequate pedestrian crossings and poor road conditions. He also pointed out the economic impact of road crashes, which cost Ghana about $1.2 billion annually. Efforts to combat this crisis include data collection and recommendations for road safety improvements by the CSIR-BRRI, but limited collaboration with road agencies has hampered effective intervention. Prof. Ackaah emphasized the need for a more integrated approach to address 'blackspots' where crashes frequently occur. Suggestions to enhance road safety include mandatory GPS track ing for vehicles, as seen in Rwanda and Uganda, and robust law enforcement similar to South Africa. Mr. David Osafo Adonteng, Director-General of the NRSA, stressed the importance of tackling speeding, the leading cause of road crashes in Ghana. Despite initiatives like the 'Stay Alive' campaign, the anticipated reduction in road traffic deaths has not yet materialized. Ghana's maximum speed limit on highways is 90 km/h, but reckless drivers often exceed 200 km/h, exacerbating the problem. The NRSA reported a rise in pedestrian incidents, with 1,219 pedestrians hit by vehicles from January to June 2024. A recent study found that annual economic losses from road crashes in low- and middle-income countries can reach up to 5% of GDP. Mr. Divine Kafui Domor, Secretary of the Koforidua-Ho-Aflao Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, highlighted driver behavior and inadequate road infrastructure as critical concerns. Many drivers lack knowledge of road signs and driving practices, leading to dangerous driving. In response, the Ghana Police Service's Motor Traffic and Transport Department plans to introduce the Traffitech-GH automated enforcement system to monitor traffic violations. The Legal Resources Centre is advocating for revised road traffic regulations and enhanced motorcycle helmet standards. The Ministry of Transport is reviewing regulations to improve road safety, with a focus on speed limits and the commercial use of motorcycles. Successful strategies from countries like Australia and Sweden can serve as models for reducing road traffic deaths. As Ghana grapples with its road safety challenges, experts emphasize the need for a holistic approach, including better road design, stricter law enforcement, and public awareness campaigns. The Safe System Approach, highlighted in a recent training, reinforces the need for comprehensive road safety initiatives. Ghana's transition to digitalization deserves praise, but broader engagement and support are needed to tackle the silent epidemic plaguing th e nation's roadways. Every family and road user deserves a safe journey, and by heeding the experts' advice, Ghana can begin to address this critical issue.