Road crashes killed 2,151 people across Ghana between January and September 2026, according to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service. The deaths came from 10,157 crashes that left 12,230 people injured and involved 17,197 vehicles.
ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng, Director of Education, Research and Training at the MTTD, disclosed the figures on the Citi Breakfast Show on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
He said the data covers crashes reported to the police in all 25 police regions, and described them as “preventable crashes”.
The figures come as the police roll out automated traffic enforcement, which the MTTD credits for a drop in crashes and deaths in September.
Ghana road crash deaths hit 2,151 in nine months
The nine-month figures show the scale of the road safety problem facing the country, with an average of about 239 deaths a month.
ACP Obeng said police investigators responded to crash scenes to assist victims and support rescue efforts, especially where people were trapped in wreckage.
He urged motorists and other road users to be more cautious and to obey road safety rules.
Road crash figures for January to September 2026
- Deaths: 2,151
- Injuries: 12,230
- Reported crashes: 10,157
- Vehicles involved: 17,197
- Coverage: all 25 police regions
Road crashes and deaths fall in September 2026
Police data cited by ACP Obeng shows a decline in several indicators in September 2026:
- Reported road crashes: down 9.48%
- Vehicles involved in crashes: down 12.19%
- Motorcycle crashes: down 7.14%
- Injuries: down 15%
- Road deaths: down 7.82%
The police attribute the drop to stronger speed enforcement and public sensitization. From September 10, they stepped up electronic notices of violation and caution notices to motorists.
Speed sensors identify offending vehicles, and the notices come with video evidence. “People are beginning to reduce their speeds because we are there,” ACP Obeng said.
TraffiTech-GH automated enforcement to go nationwide
The automated enforcement system is expected to go live nationwide on November 1, 2026. GhanaTrends earlier reported on the expansion of Ghana’s TraffiTech digital traffic enforcement system.
Under TraffiTech-GH, cameras capture a vehicle’s number plate and the offence. The electronic ticket is first linked to the registered owner, who can then name the person driving at the time.
ACP Obeng said this matters most for commercial vehicles and company fleets. The police are also developing technology to identify drivers through driver’s licence information.
MTTD says technology will cut bribery at checkpoints
ACP Obeng acknowledged that some officers solicit money from motorists during enforcement. “We don’t accept that sort of behaviour,” he said.
Under the new system, evidence of offences such as speeding is captured electronically and verified at a back office before a notice of violation is issued. The MTTD says this removes chances for officers to demand money on the roadside.
He added that some officers have been interdicted, dismissed or demoted, and some face criminal proceedings over misconduct.
What the road crash figures mean for motorists and road users
Drivers should expect more speed checks backed by cameras and video evidence, with notices sent electronically rather than issued at the roadside.
Vehicle owners, especially trotro and fleet operators, will be held liable for camera-detected offences unless they name the driver responsible.
Passengers and pedestrians stand to benefit if the September decline in crashes and deaths is sustained.
What happens next
The police say automated enforcement will go nationwide from November 1, 2026. The MTTD is also restructuring, with more focus on training, professionalism and technology, and is equipping patrol officers with devices to record offences electronically.
Updates are available from the Ghana Police Service.
Key details at a glance
- 2,151 people killed in road crashes in Ghana from January to September 2026
- 12,230 people injured in 10,157 reported crashes
- 17,197 vehicles involved across all 25 police regions
- September 2026: crashes down 9.48%, deaths down 7.82%, injuries down 15%
- Figures announced by ACP Alexander Kwaku Obeng of the MTTD on October 8, 2026
- TraffiTech-GH automated enforcement expected nationwide from November 1, 2026
FAQs
How many people died in road crashes in Ghana in 2026?
The MTTD says 2,151 people died in road crashes in Ghana between January and September 2026, from 10,157 reported crashes.
Did road crashes reduce in Ghana in September 2026?
Yes. Police data shows crashes fell by 9.48% and deaths by 7.82% in September 2026, which the MTTD links to stronger speed enforcement.
When does TraffiTech-GH start nationwide?
The automated traffic enforcement system is expected to go live nationwide on November 1, 2026, according to the MTTD.
Ghana recorded 2,151 road deaths and 12,230 injuries in the first nine months of 2026. While September showed a decline, the MTTD says most crashes are preventable and is betting on automated speed enforcement from November 1 to bring the numbers down further.
