The event, held in Bolgatanga under the global theme: “Revolutionizing Health and Safety: The Role of AI and Digitalization at Work,” highlighted the growing importance of technology in saving lives, particularly on Ghana’s roads.

Mr. Zechariah Laari, Upper East Regional Head of the NRSA, addressing tricycle riders, motor riders and drivers among other road users, stressed the urgency of addressing rising road crashes involving motorcycles and bicycles.

He revealed that in 2024 alone, Ghana recorded over 13,000 road crashes, with motorcycles and bicycles accounting for nearly a quarter of the incidents.

In the Upper East Region, 127 crashes involving 209 vehicles were reported, resulting in 85 injuries and 68 deaths, with motorcycles alone responsible for 48.3 percent of the vehicles involved and 61.76 percent of the fatalities.

Mr. Laari noted that the situation has worsened in 2025, with 37 crashes reported in the first quarter compared to 27 in the same period last year, and the death toll rising from 19 to 30.

“Behind these numbers are real human stories of children left without parents, of dreams cut short, and families plunged into mourning,” he bemoaned and called for urgent action.

He emphasised that the campaign, “Safe Rides, Safe Tomorrow”, was not just a slogan,” but a commitment that every journey must end safely and called on road users to be cautious and guard against preventable crashes.

To complement the NSRA’s effort, Icon Energy launched its new safety campaign dubbed, “Be a Hero, You Matter.”

Ms. Sheila Esi Dusi, Chief Operations Officer at Icon Energy, described it as a movement aimed at embedding a people-first safety culture across the organization’s operations and beyond.

She said: “This is not just a campaign, but a way of life. At Icon, we believe that heroism is not about capes or headlines, but about responsibility, foresight, and protecting life even when no one is watching.”

She stressed that safety must be seen not merely as a compliance requirement but as a deeply rooted culture that everyone must consciously adopt and live by daily.

“Whether it’s inspecting a tank, checking a hose, or simply staying alert while driving, every act of caution is an act of courage and all staff, transport partners, and customers must see themselves as everyday heroes whose decisions matter greatly” she added

Ms. Dusi charged road users to embody the message of the campaign, live by it, and teach it to others, as a pathway to building safer communities and a better Ghana.

The event was followed by stimulation exercise by the Ghana Fires Service and the Ghana Red Cross Society.

World Day for Safety and Health at Work is observed every year on April 28 to promote the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases globally.