GPRTU Boss Blames Drivers For Accidents

GPRTU Boss with a pick-aze

THE NATIONAL Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Alhaji Yaw Manu has disclosed that nearly 95 percent of the drivers who ply our roads are the main cause of accidents in the country.

He explained that most drivers do not observe road signs placed at strategic points along the roads to reduce over-speeding and accidents adding that driving under the influence of alcohol and certain drugs such as snuffs had also contributed to the increasing number of road accidents in recent years.

Alhaji Manu made this known on Wednesday when the Central Regional branch of GPRTU cut a sod for the construction of a three-storey guest house to facilitate activities of the union.

The sod cutting ceremony attracted GPRTU branch executives operating in the region.

The guest house which will cost GH¢230,000 to build is expected to raise additional capital to support the regional union’s activities.

In his address, Alhaji Manu said the GPRTU had met with the National Security Council (NSC) after which a statement was issued for drivers to paste a new yellow reflector introduced by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) on their vehicles to help oncoming vehicles detect faulty cars on the road.

In order to curb drunk driving, he said the union had placed a breathalyzer machine at various lorry stations while station masters have also been authorized to check the tyres and other vital parts of all vehicles before they leave the stations.

Alhaji Manu said though the GPRTU task force has been replaced by assembly and police task forces, the union is discussing with the NSC about re-introducing the GPRTU task force to help reduce accidents.

The GPRTU chairman called on all branch executives to remain calm and wait patiently for the upcoming regional election slated for July 9 adding that, all the necessary arrangements have been made to ensure free and fair executive elections at Twifo-Praso in the Central region.

On his part, the Central Regional GPRTU Chairman, Kwame Kumah appealed to all branch executives to ensure that the breathalyzer machines are used for their intended purpose.

He said the machines would help detect and sanction drivers who do not conform to rules and regulations of the union.

He further appealed to the drivers to cooperate with the various branch executives when the breathalyzer machines come into operation.