Ghana Authorities Issue Major Safety and Health Advisories Ahead of Easter Festivities

As Ghana gears up for the Easter holidays, various national and regional authorities have intensified their advocacy for public safety and responsible behavior. From the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), officials are sounding the alarm on substance abuse, road accidents, and the spread of infectious diseases. These coordinated efforts aim to curb the typical spike in casualties and health crises often recorded during major national festivals, ensuring that the celebrations do not lead to preventable tragedies.

The NRSA has specifically warned motorists against the growing trend of driving under the influence of drugs and intoxicating substances. Mr. Joshua Quist, the Greater Accra Regional Director of the NRSA, highlighted a worrying rise in the use of tramadol and a substance known as ‘red’ among young drivers. To combat this, the legal blood alcohol concentration limit has been reduced from 0.08 to 0.05. Working alongside the Ghana Police Service, the authority is implementing proactive enforcement and sensitization exercises to ensure compliance with seatbelt laws and speed regulations, noting that behavioral factors remain the primary cause of festive-period crashes.

Simultaneously, the Ghana Health Service in the Ada East District is tackling a critical public health challenge regarding HIV management. Officials expressed grave concern over the refusal of some HIV-positive pregnant women to adhere to Anti-Retroviral Therapy (ART), with approximately 35% of diagnosed expectant mothers in the district defaulting on treatment. Mr. Isaac Coleman Adator, the HIV Focal Person, emphasized that this trend severely risks mother-to-child transmission. In light of increased social activities, the GHS is also urging the general public to practice safe sex, use protection, and utilize Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) if they suspect exposure to HIV, reminding citizens that appearance is not an indicator of status.

Beyond health and road safety, cultural leaders are calling for moral restraint during the celebrations. In the Eastern Region, Okomfo Akosua Dedeaa, President of the Association of Priests, has cautioned against indecent public behavior, specifically indiscriminate sexual conduct in open spaces during the popular Kwahu Easter festivities. She urged revelers to respect cultural values and maintain discipline as large crowds descend on the region. Together, these warnings from health, safety, and community leaders underscore a unified message: while the Easter season is a time for celebration, it must be approached with a deep sense of personal and collective responsibility to preserve lives and public order.