We’re not harassing ‘trotro’ drivers - Police

Claims of police harassment and intimidation of drivers of public transport in the Ashaiman municipality are false, DSP Seth Tay, Ashaiman Divisional Police Commander, has denied.

Some ‘trotro’ drivers had, during a special edition of Ghana Yensom, Accra 100.5FM’s morning show – which was broadcast from the Ashaiman Lorry Station on Friday August 26 – complained to show host Chief Jerry Forson of being frustrated daily by police as they went about their duties.

They claimed that cops there often arrested them for non-existent offences and blackmailed them into parting with hefty bribes in order to avoid being hauled before court.

The drivers said such unlawful demands usually left them unable to make the day’s sales, a situation which threatened their livelihoods.

But in a response on the same programme, DSP Tay denied the allegations made by the drivers, maintaining that police officers go about their duties professionally.

He said there were many ‘trotro’ drivers stopped by police for driving without licences or up-to-date documentation on their vehicles, while several others stopped or parked at unapproved designations, in addition to many other traffic offences, situations that compel police to act.

He rather urged commercial drivers to be mindful of the fact that there were road traffic regulations to follow, which if complied with will not attract queries from the police.

“So, let’s be objective. We will not intimidate anyone in Ashaiman as we maintain law and order,” DSP Tay assured.