Accidents, Emergencies, and Breakdown

Accidents, Emergencies & Breakdown Procedures in Ghana

Road accidents and vehicle breakdowns can happen at any time. How a driver responds during an emergency can save lives, prevent further damage, and reduce legal consequences. Drivers in Ghana are legally required to act responsibly and correctly in accident and emergency situations.

Leaving the scene or acting carelessly after an accident is a serious offence.
What to Do Immediately After an Accident

If involved in an accident, a driver must:

  • Stop immediately → Never drive away from an accident scene
  • Turn on your hazard lights
  • Check for injuries to yourself and others
  • Provide reasonable assistance to injured persons
Failure to stop is a criminal offence.
Securing the Scene

After ensuring safety:

  • Move vehicles off the road if possible
  • Place warning triangles at a safe distance
  • Avoid creating further danger to traffic

Securing the scene helps prevent secondary accidents.

Reporting an Accident

Drivers must:

  • Report the accident to the police
  • Provide accurate information
  • Cooperate with investigations

Accidents involving injury, death, or major damage must always be reported.

Helping at Accident Scenes

Drivers may assist by:

  • Call 192 for medical help if anyone is hurt
  • Calling emergency services
  • Giving first aid if trained
  • Controlling traffic if safe
Do not move injured persons unless necessary for safety.
Vehicle Breakdowns on the Road

If your vehicle breaks down:

  • Move off the road if possible
  • Switch on hazard lights
  • Use warning triangles
  • Stay visible and safe

Never leave a broken-down vehicle in a dangerous position.

🆘 Emergency Driving Situations
Tyre Blowout
  • Grip the wheel firmly
  • Steer straight
  • Let the car slow down naturally
  • Do not slam the brakes
Brake Failure
  • Pump the brake pedal rapidly
  • Use the handbrake gently
  • Shift to a lower gear to slow down
Engine Fire
  • Pull over and stop
  • Turn off the engine
  • Get everyone out and move away
  • Only use a fire extinguisher from a safe distance if the fire is small
Common Mistakes Drivers Make
  • Leaving the scene of an accident (Hit and Run)
  • Refusing to give your details
  • Not reporting the accident within the legal time
  • Failing to help injured persons
  • Paying a bribe to a police officer
  • Arguing instead of helping at the scene
  • Blocking traffic without warning signs
  • Towing an accident vehicle before police inspection
📞 Key Emergency Contacts
Police Emergency
191
Ambulance/Fire Service
192
MTTD Hotline
18555
ECOWAS Brown Card

(foreign drivers)

Contact number on your card

Summary (Quick Revision)

STOP immediately after an accident
HELP the injured, call 192
GIVE your name, address, and vehicle details
REPORT to police within 24 - 48 hours
SECURE scene with warning triangles
MOVE broken-down vehicles off the road
USE proper emergency procedures
NEVER bribe or settle privately before police report
Lesson 31 of 31 • Accidents & Emergency Procedures