Excerpt
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) of Ghana, formerly known as the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), is the primary state agency responsible for promoting and coordinating road safety activities across the nation. Established in 1999 under Act 567, the NRSC was reconstituted as the NRSA following the enactment of the National Road Safety Authority Act, 2019 (Act 993).
Constitutional Mandate
The NRSA’s mandate is to reduce road traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries through:
- Promoting road safety
- Developing and coordinating road safety policies
- Implementing and enforcing road safety standards
These functions are outlined in Act 993, which empowers the Authority to regulate and oversee road safety initiatives in Ghana.
Leadership and Organizational Structure
The NRSA operates under a governing Board of Directors responsible for policy formulation and strategic direction. The day-to-day administration is managed by a Director-General, appointed by the President in accordance with Article 195 of the 1992 Constitution. The Authority comprises several directorates, including:
- Planning and Programs Directorate
- Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Directorate
- Finance and Administration Directorate
- Regulatory, Inspectorate, and Compliance Directorate
Additionally, the NRSA has regional offices across Ghana, each headed by a Regional Road Safety Director, to ensure effective local implementation of road safety initiatives.
Recruitment and Appointment
Appointments within the NRSA, including that of the Director-General and other staff, are made by the President in accordance with Article 195 of the Constitution. The Authority employs professionals across various fields related to road safety, administration, and enforcement.
Oversight and Partnerships
The NRSA operates under the Ministry of Transport and collaborates with several key agencies to fulfill its mandate, including:
- Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU)
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)
- Building and Road Research Institute
- Ghana Highways Authority
- Department of Feeder Roads
- Department of Urban Roads
Operations and Job Roles
The NRSA’s operations encompass a wide range of activities aimed at enhancing road safety, including:
- Conducting road safety education and awareness campaigns
- Developing and enforcing road safety standards and regulations
- Investigating road traffic systems and crashes
- Issuing compliance notices and enforcing directives
- Collaborating with stakeholders to implement road safety initiatives.
Staff roles within the Authority vary from policy development and research to field inspections and public education.
Historical Reforms
- A significant reform in the Authority’s history is its transition from the National Road Safety Commission to the National Road Safety Authority under Act 993 in 2019. This change granted the Authority enhanced regulatory powers to enforce road safety standards more effectively.
- In 2023, Parliament passed the National Roads Authority Bill, which aims to merge the Ghana Highway Authority, the Department of Urban Roads, and the Department of Feeder Roads into a single entity. This reform is intended to streamline the management of Ghana’s road network, although its implementation and impact on the NRSA’s operations remain to be fully seen.
Additional Information
The NRSA is funded by the Government of Ghana, donor agencies, and philanthropists. These funds support the Authority’s programs, including public education campaigns and infrastructure improvements. The Danish International Development Assistance (Danida) has been a notable contributor to road safety activities in Ghana.
References
- https://ir.parliament.gh/bitstream/handle/123456789/2006/NATIONAL%20ROAD%20SAFETY%20AUTHORITY%20ACT%2C%202019%20%28ACT%20993%29.pdf
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Road_Safety_Authority
- https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/parliament-passes-national-road-authority-bill-bill-merges-3-agencies.html
- https://generisonline.com/understanding-ghanas-constitutional-law-and-government-structure/
- https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/politics/parliament-passes-national-road-authority-bill-bill-merges-3-agencies.html
- https://sheqpghonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Final-Draft-NRSA-Regulations-09.06.2020.pdf
- https://nrsa.gov.gh/
- https://www.brr.gov.gh/v2/reg_details.php?id=NDAw
- https://mrh.gov.gh/
- https://highways.gov.gh/rs_standards