Regional News of Saturday, 25 May 2013

Source: GNA

Collaborate to curb road crashes, transport unions urged

Mr Paul Evans Aidoo, Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, has called for an effective collaboration between various the transport unions to minimize road crashes in the country.

He said such collaboration was also needed to forestall the incidence of highway robbery, which was rife in some parts of the Region.

Mr Aidoo said this when members of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) paid a courtesy call on him at Sunyani.

He expressed optimism that the existing collaboration between the transport unions, Police and the Municipal and District Assemblies would also be strengthened.

Mr Aidoo said the role of key stakeholders such as the Municipal and District Assemblies, security agencies and National Road Safety Commission in curbing road accidents and the incidence of highway robbery could not be overemphasized.

He appealed to the various unions across the country to ensure that their vehicles, which plied the highways at night, moved together with police escorts.

Mr Aidoo told the gathered executives that transparency and accountability were essential in their affairs and appealed to them to adhere to the provisions stipulated in their constitution.

By so doing, he said, the executives could win the approval of their members and promote unity, a pre-requisite tool needed for its growth.

Mr Aidoo also appealed to members of the union not to hesitate in reporting suspicious vehicles to the police for questioning.

Mr Benjamin Kusi, Brong-Ahafo Regional GPRTU Chairman, appealed to Mr Aidoo to intervene to end the activities of some commercial drivers who have established their own satellite lorry stations at the Sunyani Main Business District area.