Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, has called for stronger safety standards, effective enforcement and sustained public education to protect motorcycle riders and passengers across Ghana and Africa.
Mr. Debrah made the call when he joined partners and stakeholders for the opening of the 2026 Safe African Helmets Initiative (SAHI) Summit in Ghana.
He noted that motorcycles had become an increasingly important part of Africa’s transport and economic landscape, providing mobility, connecting communities and supporting livelihoods for millions of people.
However, he stressed that the growing use of motorcycles must be accompanied by stronger commitments to road safety.
Mr. Debrah said Ghana had taken an important step with the passage of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2025, which provides a legal framework for the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles.
He, however, emphasised that legislation alone would not be sufficient and must be supported by effective implementation, appropriate safety standards, rider training, responsible enforcement and continuous public education.
Addressing the summit, the Chief of Staff said helmets should not merely appear protective but must meet approved safety standards, fit properly and provide genuine protection in the event of a crash.
He stressed that the protection of riders and passengers must remain central to transport policies as governments respond to the increasing role of motorcycles in urban and rural mobility.
Mr. Debrah commended the FIA Foundation, Transaid, the National Road Safety Authority and other participating partners for convening the summit and promoting discussions on motorcycle safety.
He said stakeholders had a shared responsibility to ensure that road safety was treated as a fundamental component of transport planning rather than an afterthought.
“Our goal must be simple: every head deserves a safe helmet, every journey deserves a safe return, and every life saved is a family kept whole,” he said.
