Takoradi, Aug. 26, GNA - Madam Sophia Horner-Sam, Deputy Western Regional Minister on Tuesday cautioned drivers and conductors of the Metro Mass Transport Services (MMTS) to stop racketeering in the issuance of tickets to passengers.

She said she had reports that conductors were engaging in the double sale of tickets and warned that if not checked, the practice could halt the progress of the project.

Madam Horner-Sam said this when she handed over six new DAF buses valued at 9.6 billion cedis to the Regional MMTS at Takoradi. She also warned that any driver, who damages a vehicle due to negligence, would be surcharged with the full cost of repairs. Madam Horner-Sam urged the administrators of the MMTS to use proceeds from its operations to purchase additional buses to prove that, "the best comes from the west".

She advised them to be disciplined in the course of their duties. Mr Philip K. Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive, said the buses were to facilitate easy and affordable transportation for all Ghanaians and called on the managers to improve on their operations.

He urged them to expand their services to Cape Coast, Tarkwa, Axim, Elubo and other areas within the region that were facing acute transportation problems.

Mr. Nkrumah asked all MMTS staff to be committed and honest in their operations.