Mr Joseph Kwadwo Ofori, the Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Ghana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), Kadjebi Branch, has urged drivers to exercise patience and care during and after the yuletide to prevent road accidents.
He said Christmas was a season of joy and celebration and not one for funerals, stressing the need for drivers to transport passengers safely to their destinations.
Mr Ofori made the call during an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kadjebi in the Oti Region, noting that the yuletide period usually recorded an upsurge in road traffic and accident cases across the country.
He said excessive speeding, overloading, reckless overtaking and driving under the influence of alcohol were major causes of accidents during the festive season.
He therefore advised drivers to strictly adhere to road traffic regulations, observe approved speed limits, take adequate rest before embarking on long journeys, and ensure that their vehicles were in good roadworthy condition.
Mr Ofori, also a former Member of Parliament (MP) for Akan Constituency, also urged drivers to cooperate with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies who would be on the roads to ensure safety.
He appealed to passengers to play their part by discouraging reckless driving and reporting irresponsible drivers to transport union leaders or the police.
“Safety is a shared responsibility. If drivers and passengers work together, we can reduce accidents and save lives this Christmas,” he said.
Mr Ofori wished all drivers and passengers a peaceful and accident-free yuletide celebration.