Sunyani (B/A), Nov. 20 GNA - The Sunyani Traditional Council, on Friday called for an immediate ban on the sale of alcoholic beverages at lorry stations through out the country, especially as the Christmas approached.

It expressed worry at the proliferation of drinking spots at lorry stations in the Sunyani municipality. Nana Bosoma Asor Nkrawiri II, Omanhene of Sunyani, and President of the Council, made the appeal on behalf of the chiefs, when a delegation of the Brong-Ahafo Regional Road Safety Committee paid a courtesy call on members of the Council in Sunyani. He said that "some recalcitrant drivers drink alcohol at the spots before driving their vehicles, resulting in road accidents at times." Nana Nkrawiri appealed to transport unions to establish complaint units at various lorry stations, to check drivers against drunk-driving and organise training to educate members on the observation of road and traffic regulations and other safety measures, to reduce road accidents. The Omanhene called on the authorities to reconsider the importation and use of second hand lorry tyres, which according him had outlived their uses.

Nana Nkrawiri stressed: "The efforts of the Road Safety Commission would be in vain if drivers refuse to adhere to road regulations", and advised drivers to avoid speeding, wrongful overtaking and drunk-driving. Nana Takyi Abeam, Dwantoahene, appealed to the police to ensure strict enforcement of road and traffic regulations to prevent accidents. Nana Boadi Akrofa, Adontenhene, advised passengers to refrain from disrupting drivers when driving and asked vehicle owners to ensure regular maintenance of vehicles. Nana Yaw Sae, Apagyahene, noted that road safety was a shared responsibility and appealed to the general public to support the police to make roads safe. Nana Antwi Bosiako, Kyidomhene, asked the police to check reckless driving in the Municipality. Mr. Daniel Wuako, Regional Manager of the Road Safety Commission, who led the delegation, expressed concern about the spate of road accidents, leading to deaths in the country. He cited that from January to September this year, 1,066 road accidents were recorded in the Region, resulting in 138 deaths and 858 injuries. Mr. Wuako called on the police, transport unions and the Commission to work as a team to reduce road accidents.