KMA, Bloomberg Philanthropies Support Eight Crash Victims at KATH on World Remembrance Day
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in collaboration with Bloomberg Philanthropies, has extended humanitarian support to eight victims of road traffic crashes receiving medical care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH). The initiative formed part of activities marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, a global day observed annually to honour individuals who have lost their lives or suffered injuries due to road accidents.
Led by the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori Boadi Agyemang, a delegation from the KMA visited the victims at the ‘C’ Block Emergency Unit of KATH. The team presented medical supplies, bottled water, and cash envelopes to the eight patients, aimed at offering relief and demonstrating solidarity with families affected by road mishaps.
Speaking to the media after the presentation, Hon. Ofori Boadi Agyemang stressed the importance of the remembrance event, describing it as a sobering reminder of the devastating impact of road crashes on communities. He noted that the day offers an opportunity for authorities and the public to reflect on the urgent need for stronger road safety measures.
“The remembrance of crashes day is very essential because we must check our road networking and road design,” he stated. “Speed on roads needs to be well checked, and we must ensure that our roads are safe for all users. Reducing crashes requires a collective responsibility, and all stakeholders must play their part.”
The Mayor appealed to road users, transport operators, engineers, and policymakers to work together to address the rising cases of road accidents. He emphasized that the KMA, supported by partners like Bloomberg Philanthropies, remains committed to implementing interventions that enhance safety and reduce fatalities.
Representing the Chief Executive Officer of KATH, the Deputy Medical Director, Dr. Yaw Opare Larbi, revealed that the hospital continues to record a worrying number of severe accident cases. He disclosed that about 30 percent of road accident cases brought to the emergency unit are extremely gory and life-threatening, placing enormous pressure on the facility’s emergency and trauma care teams.
“Road accidents claim more lives than the leading diseases we know, and it’s a major public health concern that requires immediate attention,” he explained. Dr. Opare Larbi used the platform to urge the public to be more safety-conscious on the roads. He advised drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to exercise discipline and adhere to road regulations to help reduce the increasing burden of injuries and deaths.
Echoing similar sentiments, Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Initiative Coordinator, Akwasi Wireko Brobbey, described road safety as a shared responsibility. He called on all stakeholders to intensify collaborative actions aimed at reducing road crashes in Kumasi and across the country.
“We must work together to make our roads safer, and it’s a call to action for all of us,” he stated. “The statistics are alarming, and we must take concrete steps to prevent road accidents and save lives.”
He reiterated Bloomberg Philanthropies’ commitment to supporting the KMA through the Bloomberg Philanthropies Initiative for Global Road Safety (BIGRS), which focuses on strengthening road safety management, promoting data-driven interventions, and enhancing public awareness.
The World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed every third Sunday in November, highlights the human suffering caused by traffic crashes and calls for stronger global action to improve road safety systems.
The gesture at KATH reaffirmed the KMA and Bloomberg Philanthropies’ dedication to championing efforts that reduce road accidents and improve emergency response. The public is encouraged to report reckless driving, wear seatbelts, obey traffic regulations, and adopt responsible behaviour to help save lives on Ghana’s roads.
