Making the 0.05 blood alcohol content limit work: The critical role of public sensitization and enforcement

By Shadrack Nii Yarboi YARTEY

“A person is under the influence of alcohol where the alcohol concentration in the blood or breath of that person, as shown by competent medical evidence or any other evidence, is 0.05 percent or more when measured within two hours of the time operating or attempting to operate a motor vehicle.” Section 1, Road Traffic Amendment Act 2025, Act 1153

The recent passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2025 (Act 1153) by Ghana’s Parliament marks a watershed moment in our nation’s fight against road carnage. Among its many provisions, the bill introduces revised standards for blood alcohol concentration limits for drivers from 0.08 percent to 0.05 percent, a change that civil society organizations and road safety advocates have championed for years.

However, as we celebrate this legislative victory, we must confront an uncomfortable truth: laws alone do not save lives. Without comprehensive public sensitization, even the most progressive legislation risks becoming another well-intentioned statute gathering dust in our law books.

Understanding the magnitude of Ghana’s Road Safety crisis

Ghana’s roads continue to exact a devastating human toll. In 2025 alone, provisional data from the National Road Safety Authority shows that 14,743 road traffic crashes were reported nationwide, resulting in 2,949 fatalities and 16,714 injuries.

The data represents the life of a mother or father whose life has been cut off. It represents a pedestrian whose leg has been amputated because a car ran over him. These statistics underscore a worsening road safety crisis that demands urgent, sustained intervention from policymakers, enforcement agencies, and communities alike.

There is actually a science behind the BAC limit. Scientific research overwhelmingly supports revising blood alcohol concentration limits. While Ghana previously operated under a 0.08 percent threshold, one of the highest globally, impairment begins well before drivers reach this level. Studies show that at 0.05 percent BAC, critical faculties such as reaction time, visual coordination, and decision-making are already significantly compromised.

Research from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation reveals a sobering reality: drivers with a BAC between 0.05 and 0.08 percent face at least seven times the risk of being involved in fatal single-vehicle crashes compared to sober drivers. This scientific evidence makes it clear that our previous legal threshold permitted levels of impairment that put both intoxicated drivers and countless innocent road users at grave risk.

Global best practices and success stories

Ghana’s revised BAC limit aligns the nation with international best practices. More than 85 countries, including those in the European Union, Canada, Australia, and Japan, have adopted BAC limits of 0.05 percent or lower. These nations have paired their legislation with rigorous enforcement and sustained public education campaigns, that has yielded commendable results.

Japan’s experience is particularly instructive. After adopting a 0.05 percent limit, the country recorded a 38 percent decline in alcohol-related accidents of all severities. Similarly, countries that reduced their BAC limits to 0.05 percent have experienced five to ten percent drops in alcohol-related crashes.

In the United States, Utah became the first state to adopt a 0.05 percent BAC limit in 2017. The result was a measurable reduction in alcohol-related traffic fatalities without any significant impact on general alcohol consumption.

The growing evidence also aligns with the EU. The European Union’s approach also merits attention. Countries like the Netherlands have complemented their lower BAC limits with comprehensive educational programs. When drivers exceed the threshold, they are required to complete courses on alcohol and traffic safety.

Why public sensitization is non-negotiable

The passage of legislation is merely the first step. Without extensive public sensitization, the revised BAC limit will face significant implementation challenges. Here’s why public education must be prioritized:

There are cultural considerations to alcohol. Alcohol consumption is deeply embedded in Ghanaian social life, from weddings and funerals to festivals and casual gatherings. Many citizens may not immediately understand that the new law is not an attack on cultural traditions but a safeguard against reckless behavior. Public sensitization campaigns should frame the message carefully, emphasizing that responsible celebration and road safety are not mutually exclusive.

Knowledge Gaps: Most Ghanaians lack a precise understanding of what 0.05 percent BAC means in practical terms. How many drinks does it take to reach this threshold? Does it vary by body weight, gender, or food consumption? Without clear, accessible information, drivers cannot make informed decisions. Sensitization programs should translate scientific data into actionable knowledge that ordinary citizens can apply in their daily lives.

Enforcement Preparedness: As Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General, aptly stated, “enforcement mechanisms such as random breath testing and sobriety checkpoints are among the most effective strategies for reducing alcohol-related crashes. However, enforcement only works when the public understands what is being enforced and why”. Officers conducting roadside tests will encounter less resistance and more cooperation from a well-informed populace.

A multi-stakeholder approach to sensitization

Effective public sensitization requires coordinated efforts across multiple sectors. The media must play a central role in disseminating information through news coverage, talk shows, and public service announcements. Driver unions and transport operators should be engaged as partners, not adversaries, in spreading awareness among their members.

Civil society organizations like CUTS International Accra, which have advocated tirelessly for BAC revision, must continue their public sensitization efforts. Religious and traditional leaders can leverage their influence to convey the moral imperative to protect life. Educational institutions should integrate road safety into curricula, ensuring that young people understand these issues before they begin driving.

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Ghana Police Service must be equipped with breathalyzers and enforcement tools, as well as communication skills to educate drivers during stops. Every enforcement interaction should be an opportunity for education, not just punishment.

The path forward

Ghana’s Road Traffic Amendment Bill 2025 (Act 1153) represents hope. Hope that we can stem the tide of preventable road deaths. But hope must be coupled with action.

The Ministry of Transport, the National Road Safety Authority, and all stakeholders should launch comprehensive sensitization campaigns immediately. These campaigns should utilize radio, television, social media, community meetings, and workplace programs to reach every corner of the nation.

. Public sensitization should not be a luxury or an afterthought; it is the bridge between legislative intent and real-world impact. We must understand that legislation without enforcement is no legislation at all.

The writer is a development professional with CUTS International, Accra. For more information, visit www.cuts-accra.org or email [email protected]

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