The Minister for Roads and Transport, Dr Richard W. Anane, has said that the government imported right hand drive vehicles in the interest of the state and to help solve especially precarious transportation problems in the Accra Metropolis.
He said the vehicles were imported under a special permit to ensure that the people were provided with affordable means of transport to and from their places of work.
Dr Anane said this in reaction to an urgent question asked by Mr Steve Akorli, NDC MP for Ho East as to whether the Minister was aware of the importation into the country of right hand drive vehicles currently operating in the Accra Metropolis contrary to the provisions of L.I 953, 1974 and PNDC L 330.
The Minister said the vehicles were on a trial on pilot basis and they were subjected to appropriate conventions and pre-conditions before importation into the country. The only issue pending was that of changing the place of the steering wheels to left hand drive.
Dr Anane, who found it difficult to give clear-cut answers from numerous questions on the floor, was saved by the Speaker, Mr Peter Ala Adjetey when he told the Minister to ask for permission to present details later.
Mr Edward Salia, NDC Mp for Jirapa, and former minister for the sector asked the Minister whether it was government or the importer, who determined the pre-conditions of vehicles. The Minister said it was the duty of the government to do so.
Mrs Ama Benyiwa - Doe, NDC MP for Gomoa West and Mr Emil Kwadzo Brantuo, NDC MP for Buem asked the Minister the duration of the temporary arrangement and the year of manufacture of the vehicles.
Dr Anane said the trial was on going and might be reviewed with time while the vehicles were manufactured in 1987.
