Crime & Punishment of Friday, 24 March 2006

Source: GNA

Judge bemoans indiscipline among drivers

Kumasi, March 24, GNA - Mr Ernest Yao Obimpeh, a Circuit Court Judge, has decried the wanton disregard for motor and traffic regulations by some drivers, resulting in fatal accidents in the country in recent times.

"I cannot come to terms with the incessant recklessness and indiscipline among drivers on our roads, in spite of the numerous campaigns by the police and stakeholders to change the trend", he noted. Mr Obimpeh, whiles advocating for a comprehensive and sustained exercises to ensure safety on the roads, also cautioned drivers to exercise restraint, when driving so as not to loose previous lives. He made the call when three commercial drivers were arraigned in court on Wednesday for various traffic offences.

They were arrested at different locations in the Kumasi metropolis in an exercise mounted by the police on Wednesday morning. Kofi Asare, who was arrested for unlawful parking, driving without license and roadworthy certificate, was fined two million cedis or in default serve 18 months imprisonment after he pleaded guilty to the charges.

Joseph Acquah was fined two million cedis or in default serve 18 months imprisonment for driving without license, unlawful parking and failing to stop when the traffic light had shown red. He pleaded guilty to the charges. Osei Kwadwo pleaded guilty to driving without license, insurance and roadworthy certificate and was convicted but the court, deferred sentence to April 3. Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Regina Addo-Yobo told the court that the accused persons were arrested and charged with the offences when they were found to have flouted motor and traffic regulations.