Kumasi, Dec. 21, GNA 96 Ghanaian drivers will from next year, lobby the government to set a day aside in their honour and recognise their immense contribution to the growth and development of the economy of the nation. The recognition and awards will also serve as a motivation to the drivers to apply professionalism and be extra careful on the roads to reduce accidents in the country.

Mr. Ismaila Boakye, Ashanti Regional Welfare Chairman of the GPRTU, who made this known to the Ghana News Agency in an interview in Kumasi on Wednesday, said drivers had made and continue to make significant contribution to the socio-economic growth of the nation and they deserved recognition and honour as was given to farmers and teachers in the country. He has therefore appealed to drivers to be cautious during the Christmas festivities to reduce accidents. Mr Boakye pointed out that, it was only through the reduction of accidents and professional attitude of drivers, that would made them enjoy the sympathy of the public to support their demand.

Mr Boakye, who is also the Chairman of the Kumasi-Takoradi-Elubo branch of the GPRTU, appealed to the Ministry of Transportation and organisers of the Ghana at 50 anniversary celebrations and CAN 2008 events, to convey a meeting with all stakeholders, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, transport unions, National Road Safety Commission, Police Motor Traffic Unit and others to fashion out strategies that would help prevent or reduce accidents during the celebrations and hosting of the events. He also appealed to the Ministry and the MTTU to compel heavy duty truck drivers from the neighbouring countries, who plied the country's major highways to comply with the loading regulations to reduce the frequent spate of accidents involving such vehicles.