GPRTU launches ICT initiative for drivers

Mr Robert Sarbah, Greater Accra Regional Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has launched an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) initiative for branch executives.

The initiative, which is to start from January 2014, would enable the executive members of the Union to become computer literate.

Mr Sarbah said in today’s world of ICT, it was timely to equip drivers with ICT knowledge.

The Union had signed a memorandum of understanding with Intercom Programming and Manufacturing Company Limited who would be in charge of the training while UNIK Dezines Limited, an electronic firm, would supply the drivers with laptops and free internet connection for one month during the training at a very moderate cost.

Mr Sarbah said there was the need to pool resources, realign programmes and operations of the GPRTU to promote a better health for drivers in this global world of ICT.

He expressed the hope that drivers would commit themselves to the letter and spirit of the initiative.

He took the opportunity to enumerate some of the unwanted behavior that caused road deaths namely; over-speeding, unnecessary over-taking, drunk driving and refusal to observe mandatory rest period and appealed to drivers to be cautious especially during the Christmas festivities.

Mr Sarbah said other lapses on the part of drivers were incompetency, poor eye sight and lack of proper maintenance and called on all branch officers to educate their members to exercise restraint on the roads.

He urged the authorities to enforce the ban on the use of motor cycles “Okada” as  commercial transport.

Mr Moses Akutey, Head of Administration at the GPRTU Headquarters, advised drivers to stop using unpalatable words against passengers and always be courteous.

He commended the National Road Safety Commission, the Police and other road transport agencies for their good work in educating drivers.

Mr Akutey expressed the hope that through the collaborative efforts of the social partners, the carnage on the roads would minimise.

He wished all commercial drivers a merry Christmas and a prosperous new year.

Source: GNA