By Elizabeth PUNSU
Following a successful roll-out last year, AngloGold Ashanti (AGA) Obuasi Mine has stepped up its road safety awareness campaign dubbed ‘Kwan so Dwoo Dwoo’.
In partnership with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Ambulance Service and the Safety Campaign Ghana, staff of AGA hit the main Obuasi to Kumasi Road to sensitise drivers, motorists and pedestrians on the need to observe road safety protocols.
The ‘Drive Alive, Arrive Alive’ campaign forms part of AngloGold Ashanti’s Community Safety Programme, which is integral in the company’s 10-year Socio-economic Development Plan (SEDP).
According to the Community Relations Manager of AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine – Edmund Oduro Agyei, the decision to step up the campaign ahead of the Easter festivities was to respond to the increasing number of road accidents on the stretch which is considered to be an accident hot-spot.
He said the Obuasi Mine upholds safety as a key value and hence saw it prudent to extend it to the communities it operates in.
He emphasised that road safety is not just a matter of personal responsibility, it’s also a community issue.
“By working together, we can create a safer, more responsible driving culture and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities on our roads,” he said.
On the impact of the campaign, Mr. Agyei revealed that the campaign has made a significant difference in promoting road safety and reducing accidents on the roads.
He said that since the launch of the campaign, there has been a significant reduction in the number of road accidents and fatalities, especially on the Kyekyewere-Dadwen road linking Kumasi to Obuasi, Dunkwa and Tarkwa.
“One of the key factors that has contributed to the success of our campaign is the level of community engagement.
We have worked closely with local authorities, transport unions, security agencies, municipal assemblies and other institutions to promote road safety and raise awareness about the importance of responsible behaviour on the roads,” he added.
The Community Relations Manager of the Obuasi Mine also stated that their road safety campaign has also inspired a sense of ownership and responsibility among motorist and passengers, who are now more proactive in promoting road safety.
The Ashanti Regional Manager for National Road Safety Authority, Kwasi Agyenim Boateng, confirmed that the road safety awareness creation has been impactful; and commended the company for the campaign.
He said there has been an improvement in adherence to road safety regulations among drivers on the highway, stressing the need to intensify the campaign to drum home the message of safe driving.
He mentioned that the Ashanti Region still tops the national ranking on road accident in 2024, with 626 deaths and over 4,800 injuries recorded. This he added calls for sustained and improved sensitisation, collaboration and enforcement of the law with other institutions.
Obuasi Manager – DVLA, Edwin Happy Ofori, commended AngloGold Ashanti for collaborating effectively with other organisations and stakeholders to promote strict compliance to road safety regulations.
“This is truly inspiring, and it sets an example for others to follow. Your efforts demonstrate that road safety is a collective responsibility that requires the involvement and engagement of everyone, including institutions, organisations and individuals.”
Kwaku Oduro, a driver, said: “I want to express my sincere appreciation to AngloGold Ashanti Ghana for taking the initiative to organise this campaign. Your efforts have made a real difference in our community, and I am grateful for your commitment to promoting road safety”.
He urged all motorists to take advantage of this campaign to make a commitment to themselves to drive more safely.
“Let us all work together to reduce accidents and make our roads safer for everyone,” he added.
