The Ghana Police Service has cautioned Ghanaians to desist from the habit of enjoying free rides from strangers for their safety during this yuletide period.

As most people will be travelling in and outside Accra to enjoy the Christmas, the police service is urging travellers to avoid travelling in the night, as well as be in a seat belt when driving.

Drivers have also been advised not to drink and drive, as well as avoid stopping on lonely roads to safeguard both their lives and that of passengers on board the bus.

For ‘stubborn’ drivers who may overload the bus for extra cash into their pockets, they must be on the watch as the Police Service would be on the lookout for them this festive season.

Listing out some guidelines that Ghanaians, especially travellers need to follow for their personal security, the police service noted that, "avoid night journey, avoid over loading, over speeding, be on seat belt while driving, no stopping on lonely roads, avoid giving free rides to strangers, don’t drink and drive".

Police deploy 15,000 policemen for this year’s Christmas

The Ghana Police Service last month deployed 15,000 policemen in Accra to maintain law and order as well as protect lives and properties throughout the Christmas and New year celebrations.

This action is under the theme ‘Operation Father Christmas’, a codename for the service’s activities to combat crime during the festive season, specifically at the markets, churches, beaches among other 'hotspots'.

The Operation Father Christmas, among other things, is to ensure that the police are readily on hand to protect lives and properties.

See below the safety tips from Ghana Police Service