Agona Swedru, Jan 4, GNA - Leaders of Agona Swedru - Accra number four branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have put in place stringent measures to ensure accident-free year. Under the measures, vehicles loading from the station to and from Accra would be tested by a team of qualified mechanics appointed by the union to ensure their road worthiness.

Similarly, drivers handling such vehicles would equally be examined to ensure that they have not taken alcoholic before taking off. Mr George Obeng, Vice Chairman of the Union, disclosed these at an emergency executive meeting of leaders of the union at Agona Swedru. Passengers on board the vehicles travelling from both the Swedru and Accra stations of the branch, would also be encouraged to monitor the operation of the drivers, and report any act of indiscipline they might detect on the part of the drivers to the executives at the next station. Offences, which passengers would be expected to report include, excessive speeding, unnecessary overtaking, overloading and disrespect for passengers.

Mr Obeng, who stood in for the substantive chairman, Mr. J.K. Otoo, said even though the branch recorded only two minor motor accidents last year, this does not call for complacency on the part of the drivers, hence the decision to initiate more stringent measures to safeguard the safety of their numerous clients.

He assured the government of the Union's determination to assist it reduce the number of fatal motor traffic accidents.

Mr Obeng praised members of the union for the cooperation and support they offered the leaders last year and expressed the hope that they would exhibit the same sense of commitment this year, to move the Union and the nation forward.

Meanwhile, the Union has acquired 45 building plots at Jacobkrom, near Agona Swedru, for distribution to the 42 members to construct their own houses.

Mr. Obeng said documents covering the 80 million cedis plots have been completed, and in addition, the Union will give each member two million cedis for the preparation of their respective building plans.