Statistics from the National Road Safety Authority, NRSA, indicates that Ghana has recorded 1,500 road crashes for the first three quarters for 2019, not to mention the number of lives that have perished as a result. According to the Deputy Transport Minister, Daniel Nii Kwartei Titus Glover, the disheartening figure is mainly due to the negligence of drivers.
Chairing the end of year thanksgiving service of the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions at the Tema Port Hon. Titus Glover said, the Nana Addo led NPP government and for that matter the sector ministry recognises the immense contributions of transporters to the national economy, especially haulage tracks drivers and cautioned them against drink driving, fatigue driving, taking narcotic substances, as well as wrongful overtaking to reduce carnages on the roads.
“Am pleading with drivers to avoid overspeeding and also take time to have enough rest when tired because the figure of road accidents recorded from January to September this year is very disheartening”.
He noted that it has come to his notice that most of the drivers have been avoiding the axle load checking point. He said this behaviour is uncalled for and the drivers should desist from it.
The Tema Regional MTTD Commander of the Ghana Police Service, Joseph ACP Owusu Bempah revealed that some drivers have now taken to inhaling the scent of fuel, instead of alcohol to outwit the police when tested for drinking alcohol. ACP Owusu Bempah admonished them against the practice, dispelling the assumption that it enhances driving.
He said it has come to his notice that some of the drivers who carry the goods do conive with their mates to sell the importers and exporters goods at a cheap price.
He has sounded a warning to the general public to do their investigations before buying the goods.
“Am sending a warning to the general public to desist from buying stolen goods and whether you are aware the goods were stolen or not nobody cares the law will deal with you”.
The Deputy Manager in charge of Marketing and Corporate Affairs at GPHA Nana Esi Soderberg in her speech called for a collective collaboration between the drivers and the Ghana Port and Harbours Authority. She said the businesses of the drivers would grow when the importers and exporters know the drivers are reliable.
“Businesses cannot be done in isolation, so as you are doing your job you need to know that movement of the cargo fits into a bigger picture that will grow the country’s GDP so lets work together to achieve one purpose”.
Meanwhile the National Chief Imam who was the special guest to the occasion also called on the drivers to be diligent when driving. He also called for peace and unity to rein among the drivers.
The National Chief Imam prayed and thanked Allah for a successful year and also prayed for a fruitful year coming 2020.
