Epidemiology of fatal motorcycle crashes in Ghana: a 23-year analysis of national crash data.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycles are a common mode of transport in Ghana, such that in some regions, they account for 90% of all registered vehicles. Their popularity and associated crash vulnerabilities have become a significant public health issue. However, there is limited knowledge of the long-term epidemiological profile of fatal crashes in Ghana. This study examines the epidemiology of fatal motorcycle crashes over a 23-year period.

METHODS

We analysed 23 years of national data on motorcycle crashes. The data is collated by the Building and Road Research Institute from police-reported crash investigation files. Data were summarised for the temporal, environmental, and rider-related features of fatal crashes. A mixed-effects Poisson regression with robust variance estimation was employed to identify factors influencing fatal motorcycle crashes.

RESULTS

Over the 23 years, 40,322 motorcycle crashes occurred, and 22.85% were fatal. Fatal crashes have increased, with an average annual percent change increase of 4.71% and 60% occurring from 2016 to 2022. The average age of the riders was 31.64 years, and 98.90% of the fatal crash riders were males. A greater proportion of fatality ratios were recorded in the northern parts Ghana (Upper West = 36.80% and Upper East = 36.60%), and during the last three months of the year (28.97%). The day of the week, time of day, weather, traffic control, road type, rider age and sex, and collision type were significant factors associated with fatal motorcycle crashes.

CONCLUSION

The findings emphasise a significant public health burden from motorcycles, particularly over the past 10 years. Targeted interventions (e.g., speed-control measures) are needed to address this crisis, particularly as the country prepares to commercialise its use for passenger transport.