Let’s step up campaign on road safety-GPRTU

The Kumasi-Takoradi-Elubo branch Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Nana Kwasi Koduah Akuoko, has called on all Ghanaians to join in efforts to make the country’s roads safe.

He said road safety education should not be left to any single institution or group and that everybody should accept to play an active part in the campaign.

Nana Akuoko was speaking during the inauguration of the Kumasi-Kasoa Station at the Asafo Lorry Terminal, in Kumasi.

He described the spate of road accidents in the country as totally unacceptable and said everything should be done to end the slaughter.

He said if drivers are disciplined and respect road traffic rules and regulations, there could be significant reduction in the tragic loss of lives and injuries.

Ghana has since the beginning of this year, seen dozens perish and many others maimed, through car crashes.

“We certainly cannot continue on this path. We cannot afford to lose the nation’s productive work force through preventable accidents.”

The country, according to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC), has been losing about $230 million annually, representing 1.6 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) as a result of road accidents.

This covers medical expenses of victims, damage to vehicles and insurance costs, among others.

The GPRTU branch Chairman advised drivers to be more cautious and avoid driving under the influence of alcohol, over-loading and speeding.

Nana Akuoko said he was confident the new station would bring relief to travellers from Kumasi to Kasoa.

Source: GNA