A total of 23 people died while 71 sustained serious injuries in 35 recorded accidents on the Mampong-Kumasi highway last year, police has said.

Chief Superintendent Opare Addo, Mampong Divisional Police Commander, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that 173 minor motor offences were recorded last year out of which 55 were tried in court.

He said the cases fetched 9.8 million cedis in fines for the state while 40 drivers were convicted. Five other drivers were cautioned and discharged while 22 cases were still under investigation.

Chief Superintendent Addo said majority of the accidents occurred as a result of negligence of drivers and lack of proper maintenance of the vehicles.

Most of the accidents occurred either in the night or at dawn, often caused by poor lighting system of the vehicles leading to impaired visibility.

The Divisional Commander said the police had been holding regular meetings with the executives of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Co-operative Transport Union (CTU) with a view to reversing the trend.