Kintampo (B/A), Sept. 29, GNA- Brong-Ahafo Region recorded 588 accidents, which resulted in 190 deaths while 978 persons suffered various degrees of injuries in the year 2002.

The region recorded 562 accidents last year with 140 deaths and 399 persons injured, Mr Yaw Adjei-Duffour, Brong-Ahafo Deputy Regional Minister quoted statistics compiled by the Building and Research Institute in Sunyani municipality.

He was addressing the launch of the regional road safety campaign at Kintampo, under the theme, "Road safety - Concern of all".

The Deputy Minister noted that statistics showed a decline in the accident rate in the region.

He called on drivers, passengers, pedestrians, cyclists, and transport associations to promote road safety in the country. Mr Adjei-Duffour explained that the campaign had been launched ahead of the Christmas and New Year seasons to remind Ghanaians to exercise the greatest caution on the road before, during and after the festivities.

"The massive rehabilitation, reconstruction and re-designing of major highways and feeder roads by the government was to make them safer".

Mr Adjei-Duffour advised drivers to desist from taking alcohol while driving, do away with non-maintenance of vehicles, and careless overtaking to help curb road accidents.

The Deputy Minister said the resources used for the care and support as well as for funerals of accident victims could be used to develop communities.

Chief Superintendent Henry Dadzie, Acting Brong-Ahafo Regional Police Commander, who is Chairman of the Regional Road Safety Committee explained that Kintampo was chosen for the launch due to the high accident rate in the district.

He said 139 accidents were recorded in the district resulting in the death of 43 persons while 111 persons were injured last year, adding, that from January this year up to date, 74 accidents were recorded in the district, claiming 43 persons dead and injured 118. To help reduce accidents, Chief Supt. Dadzie said educational programs on road safety had been intensified in schools, in the media and in churches.

The Police Commander warned drivers to observe road traffic regulations since those who violated would not be spared. He appealed to transport associations to provide the police with information on individuals who use their vehicles for criminal activities.