Takoradi-Ghana, Nov 15, GNA – Mr. Kofi Assuah, the Second Trustee for the Western Regional Secretariat of the GPRTU, says the Union has put in place measures to ensure the safety of passengers as the Christmas season approaches.
He indicated that due to the poor nature of roads in and out of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis, drivers have been advised to observe all traffic rules and regulations, drive safely, and avoid unnecessary overtaking.
Mr. Assuah in an interview with the Ghana News Agency said drivers had been instructed to pay no attention to any passenger who mounted pressure on them to travel at top speed for them to get to their destination on time.
Christmas is a grand celebration observed worldwide and Ghana as a country is no exception. As the festive season approaches, the roads become busy with lots of people traveling in and around the country to spend time with families and loved ones.
Meanwhile, some drivers turn to travel in haste to transport many people within the shortest possible time to make more sales and thus increase the spate of road crashes.
Mr Assuah disclosed that the Regional Chairperson, Mr. Simeon Joseph Otoo together with his team members have already visited the various lorry stations in the Metropolis to fish out vehicles, which were not road worthy and needed repairs and body works.
“Under no circumstance would we allow faulty vehicles to operate during the period of Christmas as the lives of passengers are precious to the Union,” he said.
He said drivers and passengers had been tasked to collaborate effectively to ensure an accident-free Christmas.
Mr. Assuah queried “why should a period of joy and celebration be mixed with sadness due to reckless activities?”
He said as the new year approached, the Union had initiated a process to procure new vehicles for drivers and called on the Government to fix the bad roads in the Metropolis, the biggest challenge for drivers now in the area.
Mr Philip Cudjoe, the Station Master at the New Takoradi Taxi station, said safety precautions would be adhered to protect the lives of passengers before and during the yuletide.
He reiterated the need for the Government to fix the poor roads to ensure easy movement and save the purse of drivers from frequent visits to the mechanic.
