Aflao, Nov. 28, GNA - A District Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has stated that Police "extracts" issued to drivers who lose their driving licenses were not to be used as authority notes to drive.
Mr. Godson Wemegah, in-charge of the Ketu District DVLA Secretariat said the extracts were only meant to enable the drivers to receive assistance, including the possible issue of new licenses. He was addressing an inaugural ceremony of the Ketu District Concerned Commercial Drivers Association (KDCCDA), formed by some members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) at the weekend at Aflao. The aim of the association is to create the platform to re-orient commercial drivers to reduce accidents and facilitate capacity building on civic issues.
Mr. Wemegah said experience has shown that Insurance Companies tended to refuse claim payments to victims of accidents involving drivers who used such extracts and old driving licenses. He therefore, advised drivers to use only documents that could "pass the test of time".
Mr Wemegah also asked vehicle owners in the area to stop pressurizing their drivers to overwork in order to increase their earnings in a short time to be able to repay loans used in purchasing their vehicles. He said driving continuously beyond four hours is dangerous and asked the drivers to be mindful of their fitness and those of their vehicles. Mr Rueben Aryee, a Collector of Customs, Excise and Preventive Service (CEPS) at Aflao advised the drivers to avoid helping traders to smuggle goods saying the duties paid are for road repairs and other projects in their interest.
Police Inspector Evans Ativor, asked drivers to have the necessary documents on them and to obey regulations and announced that the Aflao Police has received an alcohol testing equipment to help identify those who drive while drunk.
Mr Valentine Buamekpor, Chairman of the Association in his welcoming address said drivers in Aflao are strategically located and need to be abreast with time to help enhance the growth of the country. Other members of the association were Mr Emmanuel Akakpo, Vice Chairman, Mr Gilbert Agbenyefia, Secretary and Mr Emmanuel Kwashiegah, Treasure.
