Kumasi, Sept 21, GNA - The Ashanti Regional branch of the Drivers' Welfare Union of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed grave concern about the illegal occupation of pavements in the Kumasi metropolis by traders and other hawkers. It said the situation had led to pedestrians spilling over to the streets thereby posing great danger to them and drivers.

The Union has therefore appealed to the police and other relevant bodies to clear the pavements of traders to enable pedestrians to use it.

An appeal for action, signed by Mr Sumaila Boachie, Chairman of the Union and copied to the Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Frank Adu-Poku, called for an immediate remedy of the situation to avoid accidents in the Kumasi metropolis. It said streets in Kumasi were very small and as such any loss of concentration on the part of a driver or a mechanical fault on the vehicle could cause an accident.

The statement said drivers would continue to cooperate with the police to ensure that the country's roads were safe and commended the Regional Police commander for his efforts at reducing road accidents in the region.