Understanding road crash dynamics in Ghana’s Central Region using statistical analysis of patterns and trends from 2014 to 2024

Abstract

Road traffic crashes (RTCs) remain a major public safety challenge in Ghana, with fatality rates in regions such as the Central Region continuing to rise despite ongoing road safety interventions, including infrastructure upgrades and public education campaigns. This persistence suggests that long-term patterns and temporal changes in regional crash occurrence remain insufficiently understood. This study analysed RTC patterns in Ghana’s Central Region from 2014 to 2024 using historical crash data from the National Road Safety Authority. Descriptive statistics and Poisson regression were used to identify temporal trends. The analysis examined crash frequency, severity, vehicle involvement, pedestrian casualties, and the demographic characteristics of fatally injured persons. The findings revealed a steady increase in crashes over the study period, with total crashes rising by 38% (from 757 to 1,046) and fatal crashes by 68%. Adult males accounted for the majority of fatalities. Poisson regression results confirmed a statistically significant increase in crash occurrence over time (IRR = 1.037, 95% CI: 1.031–1.043). These findings provide localised evidence to inform targeted, data-driven road safety interventions aimed at reducing crash occurrence and severity and improving road safety and public health outcomes in the Central Region.