Police organizes road safety campaign for drivers

Accra, Dec. 14, GNA - Accra North East Divisional Command of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) on Monday organized a day's road safety campaign and crime awareness workshop for drivers in Madina, Accra. Participants were drawn from Madina branch of Ghana Private Road Transport Union, Progressive Transport Owners Association , Co-Operative Transport Union, Tiger Transport Union and Tipper Truck Drivers Union at Madina.

Chief Superintendent of Police Mr. Paul Kwame Ayitey, Accra North East Divisional Police Commander, said statistics showed that robbery cases had decreased from 275 last year to 107 this year. He said criminals have shifted from armed robbery to vehicle snatching and that this year about 116 vehicles including KIA Pride, Tata Indigo, Toyota RAV4, Toyota Highlander and VW Tuareg have been taken away from their owners.

Chief Superintendent Ayitey called on the public to volunteer information to enable the Police to fight against crimes in the country. He warned drivers to desist from giving their cars to "spare drivers" since they might be accomplices to armed robbers, they should also avoid using unfamiliar and secluded routes while garage owners should report drivers with suspicious characters to the Police. Chief Sup. Ayitey advised Ghanaians to fix strong gates and doors to their buildings and gates and avoid using ply-wood doors which could easily be broken by armed robbers.

He advised people in communities to form neighbourhood watch dogs committees to assist the Police in combating crime. Chief Sup. Ayitey said between January and December last year, 291 accidents were recorded involving 449 vehicles while between January and December this year, 160 accidents had so far been recorded involving 209 vehicles.

He said that 18 people died last year compared to 19 so far this year within its jurisdiction, 65 serious injuries were recorded in 2008 and 42 for 2009 while 211 minor injuries were recorded as against 101 this year. Chief Sup Ayitey advised drivers not to drive under the influence of alcohol especially during the Yuletide, have enough rest and fasten their seat belts when driving.

Police Inspector Comfort Forkah, Instructor at the Madina Police MTTU Educational Unit, advised drivers to avoid over speeding, ensure that their vehicles were in good condition. and refrain from receiving calls on mobile phones while driving.