Asanko Gold, Police, DVLA join forces to promote safer roads in mining areas

Asanko Gold Ghana Limited has launched the Asanko Ride Safe Campaign to address rising motorcycle and tricycle crashes in its host communities.

The initiative, launched under the theme “Ride Responsibly, Arrive Safely: Protecting Lives Through Shared Responsibility,” seeks to promote responsible road use, improve rider safety and strengthen collaboration among communities, government institutions and the private sector.

The mining company is partnering with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), local assemblies and traditional authorities to tackle road safety challenges in the Amansie South, Amansie Central and Amansie West districts.

Motorcycles and tricycles are widely used as the main means of transportation in the area for both personal and commercial purposes. However, frequent disregard for traffic regulations has contributed to increasing crashes, injuries and fatalities.

Speaking at the launch, the General Manager of Asanko Gold Ghana Limited, Justice Fenteng, said responsible mining goes beyond gold production and includes contributing to the safety and wellbeing of host communities.

“Responsible mining goes beyond producing gold safely. It also means contributing to safer, stronger and more resilient communities,” he said.

He urged riders to wear helmets, obey traffic regulations, ensure their motorcycles are roadworthy and remain visible while using the roads.

“Asanko Gold Ghana Limited and our business partners remain committed to working with all stakeholders to build safer roads and stronger communities,” he added.

As part of the campaign, the company distributed more than 500 reflective safety vests to motorcycle and tricycle riders across its host communities.

Fenteng said the success of the campaign would not be measured by the number of vests distributed but by the behavioural changes it creates, the accidents it prevents and the number of people who return safely to their families.

The District Chief Executive for Amansie South, Benjamin Marfo, welcomed the initiative, describing it as timely in addressing the district’s road safety challenges.

He expressed concern over the frequent motorcycle and tricycle crashes in the area and commended Asanko Gold for supporting efforts to improve the safety of residents.

The Manso Nkwanta Commander of the MTTD, DSP Timothy Nti, said the police continue to face challenges in enforcing road safety laws, particularly because some victims of motorcycle and tricycle crashes fail to report incidents.

He said the campaign provides an opportunity for the police to intensify education on traffic regulations and encourage safer road practices among riders.

Motorcycle and tricycle riders who attended the launch welcomed the initiative and pledged to promote road safety education among their members while adhering to traffic regulations.