Government, SLRSA Honor Road Accident Victims in Solemn Ceremony

The Ministry of Transport and Aviation, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority (SLRSA), held a solemn wreath-laying ceremony on Sunday at the SLRSA compound on Kissy Road to honor all victims of road traffic accidents across the country.

In his keynote address, Deputy Minister of Transport and Aviation, Hon. Rex Bhonapha, emphasized the urgent need for collective responsibility in promoting safer roads.

He identified speeding, drunk driving, poor vehicle maintenance, and non-compliance with traffic regulations as major contributors to the rising rate of accidents nationwide. The Deputy Minister reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to strengthening road safety policies, improving driver training, and enhancing the enforcement capacity of relevant authorities.

The ceremony formed part of global activities marking the World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims, observed annually to reflect on the human impact of road crashes and reinforce calls for improved road safety measures.

Government officials, representatives from law enforcement agencies, transport unions, civil society organizations, and families of victims gathered to pay tribute to those who have died or suffered permanent injuries due to road collisions.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Executive Director of SLRSA, Josie A. Scott-Manga, highlighted the personal tragedies behind the statistics. “Behind every number, there is a name, a face, and a family left in grief a child without a parent, a mother who will never see her child again, and a worker who can no longer work because of one mistake on the road,” she said. “Road crashes are preventable, and we must all take responsibility to prevent accidents.”

Abubakarr Sheriff Esq., Secretary to the Board of SLRSA, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the Authority’s commitment to supporting bereaved families.

He referenced the tragic death of the late SLRSA Public Relations Officer, Abdul Karim Dumbuya, who lost his life in a road accident. Sheriff further cited World Health Organization (WHO) statistics showing that over 1.19 million people die globally each year due to road accidents, making it the leading cause of death for children and young people aged 5–29. Africa accounts for 19% of global fatalities, with 225,482 deaths, while Sierra Leone records an estimated 1,168 road-related deaths annually.

The event brought together key stakeholders from the transport sector, the Ambassador to South Africa, representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), and religious leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to road safety and the protection of lives.