Awutu Ofankor Chief Settles Kasoa GPRTU, PROTOA dispute

Awutu Ofankor, Jan 26, GNA - The Chief of Awutu Ofankor, Nai Odupong Awushie Tetteh II, has settled the impasse between the Kasoa branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA).

Speaking at the meeting, Nai Tsupi Kwaw Ashong, Gyasehene of Awutu Ofankor, warned that the Chiefs in the Awutu Traditional Area would not tolerate any conflict between the two transport organisations at Kasoa. He pointed out that since the Constitution guaranteed freedom of association in a free market economy, no group had the right to stop any organisation from operating at lorry parks.

Nai Ashong said it was the aim of the Chiefs to attract more organisations and companies to invest in the area to create wealth and jobs especially for the youth.

On December 29th, 2003, thugs attacked the offices of Kasoa branch of PROTOA and destroyed property worth 15 million cedis. Members of the GPRTU vowed not allow PROTOA to operate at the lorry Park, even though the Awutu-Effutu-Senya District Assembly had approved the association's application.

Nai Ashong regretted that in spite of the approval the GPRTU members did not respect the Assembly's decision and called for co-operation and unity between the two transport organisations to ensure peace and stability at Kasoa.

He expressed the support of the traditional rulers for the Government's declaration of the "Golden Age of Business" to create more jobs to help raise the living standards of the people. Mr Shaibu Atteh, Secretary of the Kasoa GPRTU, assured the Chiefs and elders of the Traditional Area that the incident would not occur again to ensure peace at the lorry park.

Nana Yaw Fayah and Mr Ben Obeng Peprah, Central and Greater Accra Regional Chairmen of PROTOA respectively also gave the assurance to ensure that their members operated within the law to avert any clash.