Asikuma DESC to review decision on PROTOA

Breman Asikuma (C/R), Jan 3, GNA - The Asikuma-Odoben Brakwa District Security Council (DESC) is to reconvene within two weeks to review its decision banning the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) from operating at the Asikuma Lorry Park.

Mr Sampson K. Anfako, District Chief Executive, said this when the National Chairman of PROTOA, Mr Michael Appiah, called on him to discuss issues that led to the banning of the Association. The DCE who said he could not determine the outcome of the meeting, however, expressed the hope that it would be positive to ensure peace and stability in the district.

Mr Anfako told the National Chairman of PROTOA that the District Security Council was not happy about the approach of the Central Regional Chairman of the Association and his executives towards the issues.

The District Security Council in April 2003 banned PROTOA from operating at the Asikuma Lorry Park with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for fear of possible clash, which did not go down well with Association since the park did not belong to GPRTU. Mr Appiah appealed to the DCE to impress upon the Security Council to reconsider the decision to promote peace and stability in the District.

The National Chairman noted that PROTOA was not a "hostile" Association, adding that, members of organisation only wanted to contribute towards the socio-economic advancement of the district. He called for a memorandum of understanding between the GPRTU and PROTOA to maintain peace and said "anyone who will flout it must be punished to serve as deterrent to others".

Earlier, Mr Appiah paid a courtesy call on the Omanhene of Breman Asikuma Traditional Area, Nana Amoakwa Boadu VII and appealed to him to use his influence to have the banning orders withdrawn. Nana Boadu promised to do all within his power to have the impasse settled amicably.