Kumasi, Dec 31, GNA - A total of 177 people were killed and 936 injured through road accidents that occurred between January and September, 2009 in the Ashanti Region.

Mr Kwaku Oware Boateng, Regional Manager of the National Road Safety Commission, who made this known in Kumasi, said during the period under review 1,266 accidents involving 1,638 vehicles were recorded. Mr Boateng was addressing a meeting of road safety activists, comprising transport operators, road safety campaigners and youth groups in Kumasi, on Thursday.

The meeting held on the theme: "Safeguarding the welfare of young people, road safety matters," was organised by the Ghana National NGO's Coalition for Youth (GHANCY).

Mr Boateng attributed the accidents to driver fatigue, speeding, use of mobile phones while driving, lack of maintenance and laxity in the enforcement of road traffic regulations.

He called for concerted efforts by stakeholders to reduce fatalities on the country's roads.

Mr Maxwell Aidoo, Technical Engineer, Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority in Kumasi, said on the average his outfit confiscates 15 fake driver licenses daily in the metropolis. He said they had taken measures to track down those behind the illegal activity and bring them to justice.

He urged drivers to respect traffic regulations and become conversant with road signs and markings.

Mr George Ankoma-Yeboah, GHANCY National President, said the organisation was determined to support efforts to bring down road accidents in the country.

He said members would mount road safety education programmes at public places such as the markets, schools and churches to create the needed awareness and help protect travellers and pedestrians. Mohammed Bun Bida, Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Zonal Overseer of GHANCY, said the road authorities should enforce the axle-load limit to expand the life span of the nation's roads.