Kumasi, Dec 28, GNA- The Kumasi-Takoradi-Elubo local union of the Kumasi Asafo market branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is to embark on a housing scheme for its members next year. Under the scheme, one billion cedis will be spent in the acquisition of land for members to build their houses.

Alhaji Sumaila Boakye, chairman of the branch, said already plans for the acquisition of 80 plots of land for the project has been completed.

Alhaji Boakye announced this at the annual get-together of members of the branch in Kumasi to take stock of the union's performance and also honour members who distinguished themselves. Five members received certificates and unspecified sums of money for their meritorious services.

The overall best award went to Mr Kofi Gyasi.

Alhaji Boakye said the plots of land would be allocated to members when the lands are fully acquired and documented. He said the decision to assist members acquire their own houses is aimed at making them more comfortable while in active service and more importantly when they retire.

Mr Kwaku Adusei, secretary of the branch, disabused the minds of a section of the public that the transport union had aligned itself with some political parties.

He said this is misleading since the GPRTU and its branches remain neutral and assist any government in developing the transport sector.