Regional News of Sunday, 24 July 2005

Source: GNA

GPRTU to get tough with tax evading members

Accra, July 24, GNA - Accra CMB - The Accra CMB-Kasoa Drivers Union of the Ghana Private Road and Transport Union (GPTRU), on Sunday resolved to expose and sanction its members who evade taxes. Speaking at a general meeting of the drivers in Accra, Mr Joseph Quayson Otoo, branch chairman, said the Unions' hard-line was not meant to destroy the image of members, but to assist government in its revenue mobilisation.

"The road we are using is a result of monies accruing from taxes without which there will be constant break-downs of our vehicles and unwarranted accidents," he added.

Mr Otoo attributed the current spate of road accidents to drunkenness on the part of drivers and some instances of drivers obtaining private license but bending the rules to drive heavy or commercial vehicles.

He appealed to the Police Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) to conduct regular checks on drivers' alcohol intake, saying that the exercise would caution them to be more disciplined.

Mr Otoo advised drivers to drive carefully on the Accra-Kasoa road currently under construction and to observe road signs. He further cautioned them not to interweave during rush hours, saying that suddenly criss-crossing could cause fatal accidents. Mr Otoo advised drivers who had not yet registered with the National Health Insurance Scheme to do so to enable them to benefit from it.