Mankessim (C/R), Jan 6, GNA- Five taxi drivers in Mfantseman District in the Central Region, have been awarded for conveying pregnant women in labour to health facilities promptly. Mr James Mensah from Ekumfi Dunkwa, Mr Kwesi Rockson from Anomabo, James Abban from Nanaben, Charles Ewusie from Ekumfi Engow and Abraham Ntsiful from Onyaadze received suitcases and certificates of merit at Mankessim at the Weekend.

The rendering of this service by drivers in the district followed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed by the District Directorate of Ghana Health Service and drivers' unions in the district, to convey pregnant women in labour to health facilities without demanding payment. Mr Samuel Sosi, Mfantseman District Director of Health Service, said since the signing of the agreement, in April 2007, no maternal death was recorded adding that unavailability of transport to convey expectant mothers to health facilities was a major cause of maternal mortality. Dr Aaron Ofei, Central Regional Director of Health Services, who initiated the signing of the MOU, said drivers rushed 250 pregnant women, whose conditions were crucial to health facilities, last year, adding that the programme would be replicated in other parts of the country. He advised expectant mothers to visit health facilities for them to be delivered of their babies and urged assembly members, traditional rulers and other opinion leaders to support the MOU.

Mr Oscar Kweku Appiah, Chairman of Mankessim Number Three Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, urged drivers to ensure that their vehicles were in good condition always to enable them to discharge emergency services.

Nana Ataapim Kweenu VIII, chief of Nkusukum Woraba and Presiding Member of the District Assembly, said the assembly would support the MOU. Mr James Mensah from Ekumfi Dunkwa, Mr Kwesi Rockson from Anomabo, James Abban from Nanaben, Charles Ewusie from Ekumfi Engow and Abraham Ntsiful from Onyaadze received suitcases and certificates.