Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Frank Fuseini Adongo
Deputy Upper East Regional Minister, Frank Fuseini Adongo, has advised the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other drivers’ unions to ensure that their members adhere to all rules and regulations to avoid accidents in the country.
According to the deputy minister, usually the unions provide the terminals and do very little to educate their members and passengers about road accidents.
Mr Adongo said that road accidents would reduce if passengers do not incite drivers to over speed.
The Deputy Minister disclosed this in an interview with DAILY GUIDE on the accident that occurred on May 7 on the Bolgatanga-Bawku-Pulmakom Road in the Bawku West District of the Upper East Region.
At about 3:00am on the fateful day, a Nissan Urvan mini bus with registration GR-9895-N rammed a stationary articulated truck, which resulted in the deaths of seven passengers on board.
Other passengers who sustained injuries were admitted at the Zebilla Government and Bawku Presbyterian Hospitals.
Eyewitnesses said the truck had been parked on the shoulder of the road with no warning sign.
“Commuters and drivers should not to leave everything to God, we have to be serious with our lives too. God does not fix proper tyres and maintain brakes, rather drivers do these. If you are a passenger, you have the responsibility to ensure that the driver does not overspeed. Let us play our role and let God take care of the spiritual side.”
He called on Ghana Police Service to deploy personnel to check warning triangles and other in vehicles regularly.
“If trucks break down on the road, park and give signs for oncoming vehicles. If drivers check their lights and ensure that they work properly, they will see dangers far ahead. If their brakes are working, a little effort will stop the vehicle from crashing. Tired drivers must stop and rest and passengers should encourage this practice.”
The Deputy Regional Minister, who has been involved in accident previously, promised to create awareness about road accidents in the country.
From Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Bolgatanga