The Ministry of Transport Endorses the Work of Road Safety Action International and Promises Mutual Collaboration to Address the Issue of Road Safety
At the ceremony marking the transition and handover of leadership at the Ministry of Transport, Liberia's Minister of Transport, Hon. Sirleaf Ralph Tyler, emphasized the crucial work of Road Safety Action International. He underscored the critical relevance of safety in the transportation industry and the need to alter Liberia's road safety narrative.
The formal turnover event of the Ministry of Transport, which was attended by government officials, major stakeholders, and employees, represents the continuation of Liberia's democratic processes following the general and presidential elections. It emphasized adherence to constitutional duties, which require newly appointed officials to undergo confirmation hearings and commissioning before taking office. The event served as a platform for the minister to highlight some of the major issues confronting the transportation sector, as well as the measures he and his team intend to implement as short-, medium-, and long-term solutions.
In a brief statement, the Executive Director of Road Safety Action International, Eric Gabriel Jenn-Judgges, acknowledged Minister Tyler for his proactive and robust engagement with the sector since his nomination. He emphasized his organization's unwavering support and commitment to working with the Ministry of Transport to address the road safety issues in Liberia.
Road Safety Action International, a prominent stakeholder in the transportation industry, congratulated the new administration and reaffirmed its commitment to mutual collaboration to improve road safety standards in Liberia. Despite the festive environment, the Executive Director took the opportunity to highlight the terrible reality of road accidents in Liberia
The Executive Director, citing the World Health Organization's (WHO) recent Global Status Report on Road Safety, indicated that Liberia placed fourth globally in terms of road accident fatalities, with roughly 35 deaths per 100,000 people. The statistics he gave provide a bleak picture, reflecting the loss of many lives and the devastating impact on families and communities.
The disproportionate burden of road accidents on countries like Liberia is concerning, with approximately 90% of worldwide road accident fatalities occurring in developing countries. These findings highlighted the critical need for coordinated measures to solve road safety concerns.
The Ministry of Transport is responsible for guaranteeing the efficient, safe, and sustainable movement of people and commodities across Liberia, as well as supporting international transportation and trade. As the Ministry prepares to involve the public in fulfilling its responsibilities, Road Safety Action International reaffirms its commitment to collaborative action. Road Safety Action International, a civil society organization, is deeply entrenched in community engagement and has a strong capacity to implement essential road safety programs.
The approval of collaboration between the Ministry of Transport and Road Safety Action International is a crucial step toward bringing together the public and private sectors to solve road safety challenges in Liberia. It also demonstrates a shared desire to confront road safety and problems and affect genuine change, ultimately saving lives and instilling a culture of safety on Liberia's roadways.