Chief Superintendent Alexander Obeng, the Head of Education, Research, and Training at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, has warned road users against using mobile phones to engage on social media while driving. Speaking on Ghana Kasa on June 20, 2025, he emphasised that using a phone while on the road violates regulations. Chief Superintendent Obeng cautioned that communication devices can distract drivers, compromising their safety and the safety of others.
“If you hold your phone, you will get distracted because you need both hands on the steering wheel for your own safety,” he advised. He pointed out that it is impossible to focus on the road and the driving mirrors while also looking at a phone. Furthermore, he noted that many countries that Ghana looks up to for good road infrastructure have systems in place that ensure timely repairs and adequate maintenance of their roads.
He emphasised that this is not the case in Ghana and urged road safety advocates to hold road engineers accountable. These engineers are responsible for addressing the issues related to road safety at the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Ghana Highway Authority, Urban Roads, and FIDA Road. He stated, “I advise road safety advocates to press hard on engineers to fix these challenges, as it is their responsibility.”
He stressed the importance of enforcing these measures, particularly within police jurisdictions in all 16 regions of Ghana and in major towns. He remarked, “The roads must be re-engineered, road markings need to be provided, streetlights must be operational, and the traffic lights should also function properly with appropriate signal controllers. This will help protect lives and enhance the safety of police officers.”
Story By: Akua Oteng Amponsah