Transport Policy seminar opens in Accra

Accra, Nov. 25, GNA - A three-day Transport Policy Seminar aimed at studying and making inputs into National Transport Policy opened in Accra with a call for cooperation between operators and policymakers in the transport industry.

The seminar would also serve as a platform to ensure cohesion in the transport sector as well as enhance transportation system in Ghana and other African countries.

It is being organized by the Federation of Transport Unions of Ghana, (FTU) an affiliate of the International Workers' Federation (ITF) and attended by General Secretaries, Deputies, Industrial Relations Officers and Women Coordinators of Transport Unions of the Trades Union Congress.

Mr Roxy Udogwu, Regional Secretary of the International Transport Federation (ITF), who opened the seminar, expressed concern about the deterioration of transport infrastructure especially within the maritime and aviation sectors in Africa.

He deployed the attitude of Governments concentrating on new development; concepts and policies to the detriment of time tested ones stressing: "This had been the bane of African development".

He said; "we cannot accelerate growth through the destruction and neglect of foundation stones that were laid for the economic and social emancipation of the Continent."

Mr Udogwu urged African countries to invest capital into the transport sector to ensure that the Continent faced the new concept of globalisation, New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and the challenges of Information Communication and Technology.

He said African countries couldn't attain the middle-income status with deteriorating infrastructure.

The ITF Regional Secretary also urged Trade Unionists to ensure that technological development did not affect workers adversely and encouraged the unions to marshal resources, identify strengths and stand against any obnoxious laws inimical to workers progress.

He commended Ghana for taking the initiative towards the development of a comprehensive transport policy.

The General Secretary of General Transport Petroleum and Chemical Workers Union of the TUC, Mr Emmanuel A. Mensah commended members for maintaining industrial peace in an unfavourable working environment.

Industrial groups attending are; Local Government Workers Union, Maritime and Dock Workers Union, Railway Workers Union, Railway Engine Men's Union, National Union of Seamen and Ghana Private Road Transport Union.

Mr Kwabena Owusu Afriyie, Chairman of FTU, chaired the opening session.