The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr. Samuel Sarpong, has urged strict enforcement of road traffic regulations to stop the indiscipline and impunity by drivers.
He said the police and traffic wardens should go after offending drivers and bring them to justice since it is the only way to deal with the chaotic traffic situation in the region and the safety of travelers.
Mr. Sarpong said this in an address read for him at the official presentation ceremony and the launch of vehicle destination indicator boards and stickers to the various transport operators in Kumasi.
It is an intervention to help deal with the nuisance posed by floating drivers, who do not pick passengers from the lorry terminals.
Two companies, Multipack Limited and Royal Bow Limited, are supporting it with the supply of stickers and destination boards to track the movement of commercial vehicles operating within and outside the metropolis.
Mr. Sarpong noted the critical importance of the transport sector to the national economy and said everything should be done to deal with the many challenges in the sector to ensure efficiency.
He reminded drivers that it was wrong to operate without belonging to a transport association or from a recognized station.
“Driving without destination indicator is also an offence under the law," he added.
The Minister called for sustained public education campaign to aid travellers to board vehicles at only the designated terminals and points.
The metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies should also establish strong transport departments to properly monitor and implement policies pertaining to transportation in their areas of jurisdiction.
Mr. Kojo Bonsu, the Kumasi Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), said they were determined to bring sanity into public transport management in the city.
This was being done with the safety of the traveler in mind, given the fact that about 65 per cent of passengers in the region depend on the services of private commercial transport.
He thanked Multipack and Royal Bow for their support and rallied all stakeholders to work together to make the roads safe.
Nana Ampofo Kyei Baffour II, Asemhene, advised drivers to make sure they complied with the traffic laws to prevent accidents.
