Road safety stakeholders have been tasked to step up their game and work extra hard to reduce road accidents in the country.
ASP Bismark John Setuchie, Deputy Central Regional Commander of the Motor, Transport and Traffic Department (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service (GPS) made the call at the commissioning of the remodeled Central Regional office of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA)in Cape Coast.
The Cape Coast office of the DVLA was renovated to provide efficient and quality services to customers, while providing better working environment for its workers.
He said between January and October this year, 2,080 people were killed through road accidents, with 12,380 people sustaining various degrees of injuries in the country.
The figures, according to ASP Setuchie was worrying and called for effective stakeholder collaborations in carrying out road safety campaigns and sensitisation for maximum results.
He urged drivers to respect the rights of other road users, adhere to road signs and avoid speeding.
He also asked the various transport unions to check on their drivers who were embarking on trips and ensure they did not take alcoholic beverages and drugs which influenced their judgement when driving.
With the motto "Your Safety, Our Concern", Mr Frank Davies Esquah, Board Director of DVLA stated that the Authority had commissioned 32 offices across the country which attested to its relentless effort to render quality services to its customers.
"The operations of this new office complex will be consistent with DVLA's new normal digitization and system integration", he added.
He advocated continuous collaboration with stakeholders to promote rigorous enforcement of regulations and implementation of creative ideas to entrench work technically and cultural through the use of technology and various analytical tools.
Mr Kwasi Agyeman Busia, Chief Executive Director of DVLA, mentioned some initiatives the authority had embarked on to include; providing mobile application services, introduction of new and better licensed place for all newly registered vehicles and initiating measures to sensitize existing polls through registration to ensure visibility, authenticity and compliance.
He highlighted the development of policies for the disabled persons which would ensure sensitive and methodical approach to licensing.
He also spoke about the revamping of the eye test regime restrictor compliance which would create jobs for people and bring to the attention of the public eye disorders such as glaucoma.
The Chief Executive Director encouraged workers to serve customers with honesty, integrity and dedication to provide quality and efficient service at work and ensure proper maintenance of the office.
Osabarima Nana Kwesi Attah II, Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area who chaired the function expressed worry about the growing indiscipline on roads especially by Okada riders who failed to respect road signs.
He pleaded with the MTTD to find measures to curb the indiscipline and disrespectful behaviours of Okada riders on roads to reduce the spate of road accidents in the country.
Mr Lawrence Adom, the Central Regional Director of DVLA, expressed his profound gratitude to all and sundry for their support and trust exhibited towards the authority.