Ouagadougou: More than 80% of two-wheeled vehicle users in Manga now wear helmets, compared to only 16% last June, noted Chief Superintendent Sadou Ouoba, acting regional director of the National Police of Nazinon, on Monday. He nevertheless urged users to wear this equipment correctly to better protect themselves against the consequences of traffic accidents.
According to Burkina Information Agency, starting at 6 a.m., National Police officers patrolled the main roads of Manga to enforce the mandatory helmet law. Those caught without helmets were asked to turn back and retrieve them before continuing their journey.
"On instructions from our superiors, we are in the field to encourage people, especially users of two-wheeled vehicles, to wear helmets and explain the importance of wearing them," explained Chief Commissioner Sadou Ouoba, during this awareness and control operation.
He stated that a study carried out last June revealed that only 16% of users of two-wheeled vehicles wore helmets in the city of Manga. "This morning, you were able to see with us a clear improvement. We are now at over 80% of users wearing helmets," he said.
The regional director noted, however, that wearing a helmet must be accompanied by proper use. He observed that some users wear helmets without fastening them correctly or simply place them on their heads. "It's not enough to just wear a helmet; you have to wear it correctly," he emphasized, calling for continued awareness campaigns on this issue.
Comrade Ouoba also indicated that more than 200 traffic accidents, resulting in more than 30 deaths, have been recorded in the Nazinon region since January 2026. "Traffic accidents are now a real public health issue. Fighting against these accidents and deaths is therefore a noble action," he said.
In an effort to set an example, the Group of Republican Security Companies (GCRS) of Nazinon initiated a motorized parade in helmets in the streets of Manga, in order to raise awareness among the population about respecting the wearing of helmets.
According to the commander of the GCRS of Nazinon, Ousseni Kalmogo, this initiative aims to raise awareness among users by example, by inviting agents to be role models themselves in respecting the wearing of helmets and the Highway Code.
Before turning back, Aloyse Zoungrana regretted not having worn his helmet. He praised the initiative of the other authorities, believing it contributes to strengthening road user protection against traffic accidents. He also pledged to raise awareness among his family and friends about the importance and mandatory nature of wearing a helmet.