Cape Coast Dec.18, GNA- Mr Kwame Ohene Essel, a circuit court judge at Cape Coast, on Thursday expressed concern about the way some drivers take school children in excess on their vehicles when the children travel outside their schools.
He pointed out that the practice was tantamount to indiscipline and could cause serious accidents, stressing that pupils also have the right to be made comfortable when being carried on vehicles.
Mr Essel expressed the concern when he imposed a two million cedis fine on Agbee Wugah, a 33-year-old driver from Binponsu, near Twifo Praso, for careless driving, failing to report an accident and carrying greater number of passengers.
Wugah who pleaded guilty, would go to prison for six months if he fails to pay the fine.
Police Chief Inspector Henry Tanor told the court that on November 21, this year, Wugah, whose vehicle is licensed to carry 23 passengers, took 40 pupils from the Binponsu primary and JSS from Twifo-Praso to Binponsu, after some sporting activities. He said whilst ascending a hill mid-way, on the Binponsu-Akloman feeder road, Wugah attempted to accelerate but could not, and the vehicle run into a ditch causing injury to the pupils and teachers on the vehicle.
Chief Inspector Tanor said Wugah failed to report the accident, absconded, and later towed the vehicle, but the school's Parent-Teacher-Association (PTA) reported the matter to the police.
