PROTOA calls for allocation of lorry park space

Assin Fosu, Nov 29, GNA - The Central Regional Chairman of the Progressive Transport Owners Association, Nana Yaw Faaya, has expressed concern about the refusal of District Assemblies to allocate portions of lorry parks to the Association.

Speaking to the GNA in an interview after the election of the Central Regional Executives of the Association at Assin Fosu, Nana Faaya said the Assemblies were treating the Association fairly.

He said the National and Regional Executives of the Association have been wondering whether lorry parks in the country belonged to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

In this era of Golden Age of Business, free market economy and competitiveness, some District Chief Executives are preventing PROTOA from operating at lorry parks, he said. Nana Faaya who retained his position cited the Asikuma-Odoben-Brakwa District where the Association had applied for the allocation of space for PROTOA to operate at Lorry Park from the Assembly without success for more one year as an example. He said the District Chief Executive told the Regional Executives of the Association that PROTOA's request had been referred to the District Security Council. The Regional Chairman, however, commended the Agona District Chief Executive, Mr John Kwesi Agyabeng, for giving the Association space at the Swedru lorry park to operate.

He appealed to the Minister of Local Government and Rural Development, Mr Kwadwo Adjei Darko, to ensure an amicable solution to the problem to maintain peace at the lorry stations.

Nana Faaya cautioned drivers especially taxi driver at Agona Swedru agaist flouting road traffic regulations and to desist from loading at unauthorised points especially under traffic lights.

He said the Executives of the Association would team up with personnel of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit MTTU of the Police Service to check recalcitrant drivers.

Nana Faaya advised drivers against over loading, speeding and wrong overtaking to ensure an accident free Christmas.