Public outcry took Police off the roads - NRSC

Ho, June 26, GNA -The temporary withdrawal of the Police from the roads was in response to public outcry regarding the uncoordinated activities of the various Police units and the unprofessional conduct of some of them.

Mr. Elvis Gbesemete, Volta Regional Co-ordinator of the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) gave the explanation at a day's seminar in Ho on Wednesday regarding accidents involving political activists. Only the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was represented at the seminar meant to sensitize participants and design a comprehensive strategy to curb those accidents.

Mr. Gbesemete said other police units, with specific duties to check crime on the roads allegedly took over the duties of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU), thereby creating inconveniences for both drivers and the travellers.

He said measures have now been instituted to coordinate the activities of all Police units and that the MTTU was also restructured to perform its functions professionally.

Mr. Gbesemete advised leaders of political parties not to use tipper trucks and cargo trucks in conveying their supports to and from rallies. The parties should also not hold rallies in the night, he recommended. He appealed to the political parties to always invite emergency service providers like the Ambulance Service, Fire Service and the Police to their rallies to give assistance in cases of emergency.

Mr. Gbesemete advised drivers to be cautious when driving saying, "a mistake by a doctor causes the death of only one person but a mistake by a driver can cause the deaths of dozens of people".

He said it would be necessary for political parties to check the alcohol levels of drivers they engage to convey their supporters to and from rallies. A memorandum of understanding was signed between the NRSC, the political parties and the various drivers' unions not to use cargo and tipper trucks during their campaigns this year.