Correspondence from Western Region

In an effort to ensure social distancing protocol to prevent the spread and contract of the deadly Coronavirus pandemic, the Ellembelle District Assembly in the Western Region has directed all drivers of commercial vehicles to reduce their passengers.

This directive was taken by the Ellembelle District Public Health Emergency Committee in conjunction with the Transport Unions in the area.

In an interview with GhanaWeb's Western Regional Correspondent Daniel Kaku over the weekend, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for the area, Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh disclosed that the Committee sat down and realized that passengers who always use commercial vehicles are not safe and can be exposed to the virus since the existing criteria allows passengers to get closer to each other.

The DCE said with the new criteria, drivers who use taxi cars would reduce their passengers to two at back seat instead of three and maintain the front seat of one passenger.

"The Public Health Emergency Committee and the Transport Unions agreed that, taxis and trotro cars that take three passengers on a row shall more than two (2) passengers on a row with one (1) passenger in front with immediate effect", he explained.

He continued that, "Other commercial vehicles taking four (4) of five (5) passengers on a row shall not take more than three passengers on a row with one (1) passenger in front with immediate effect".

He emphasized that this directive would not affect the transport fares until Government decides otherwise.

"... And that, till ant official directive from the national level, the transport fares will remain as being charged presently".

Mr. Kwasi Bonzoh emphasized that, "Other commercial vehicles taking four (4) of five (5) passengers on a row shall not take more than three (3) passengers on a row with one (1) passenger in front with immediate effect".

He, therefore, seized the opportunity to urge passengers to as much as possible minimize conversation in commercial vehicles.

"Passengers are to as much as possible reduce the rate of talking while in commercial vehicle, wash their hands with running water and soap or use hand sanitizer before boarding and after alighting", he said.

He advised passengers to report to authorities or insist on the aforementioned directive in case a driver or driver's mate decides otherwise for immediate sanction.

He also promised to continue to visit public places to educate residents about the deadly Coronavirus.

Ghana has so far, recorded 1,550 confirmed cases with 11 deaths and 155 recoveries.