The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has taken protection action towards children who could be trafficked on long distance vehicles in the country. This includes raising awareness about child trafficking.

Mr Robert Sarbah, Greater-Accra Regional Chairman of the GPRTU, who made this known at the Regional Council meeting of the union in Accra, said the awareness would help the drivers to understand the seriousness of child trafficking, and immediately report signs to the police for investigation.

He said concerns have also been raised about some drivers using children as their mates, pointing out that the law prohibits the use of children as drivers’ mates, because it is considered exploitative or human rights violation. He, therefore, warned that any drivers found to violate this simple warning would be sanctioned.

Mr Sarbah said the GPRTU recognizes that the rights of the child be protected from economic exploitation, and from any work that is likely to be hazardous or to interfere with his or her education and social development.

“Employment of children as drivers’ mate depriving them of their childhood, interferes with their ability to attend school and that is morally dangerous and harmful,” he warned.

The Regional Chairman appealed to the police to stop the “Okada” operators from operating, to ensure the smooth-running of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), introduced by government.

Mr Stephen Okudzeto, General Secretary of the GPRTU, warned drivers not to drive vehicles above their licenses, so that when they are involved in accidents, insurance companies will be held responsible.