The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA) and Effia- Kwesimintsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) transport unions and traders in the Western Region have instituted tough measures to reduce the number of passengers on commercial vehicles including “trotros” and taxis.
The move also looks to decongest markets as part of measures to control the spread of Covid-19.
The two assemblies have also agreed that traders should break bulk at designated opened areas in Sekondi, Takoradi and Effia as part of Covid-19 safety protocols.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, means taxis operating within the jurisdiction of the two assemblies shall take three passengers—one front and two back—instead of four.
Commuter buses, trotros, mini-buses and others which take three or four passengers per row are hereby directed to reduce from three to two and four to three passengers respectively on a row with one passenger in front instead of two.
In an interview with GBC’s Radio Ghana News in Sekondi, the Public Relations Officer of the STMA, John Laste said the directive, which would be enforced by its security—STMA guards, and the police—will ensure the safety of passengers and curb possible spread of the coronavirus.
Asked if the directives permit drivers to increase fares, Mr Laste said: “No, the directives do not permit drivers to increase unless there are newly approved fares from the national level, without that, the fares will remain the same.”
He urged passengers to as much as possible reduce the rate of talking while in commercial vehicles, wash or sanitise their hands before boarding and after alighting. He said the decisions were arrived at by the assembly in conjunction with various driver unions, “therefore passengers are advised to report or insist on the above seating directives in case a driver or driver’s mate decides otherwise”.
The Assembly has also directed that all bulk breaking activities should be relocated to the Takoradi Jubilee Park with effect from Wednesday, April 1, 2020 till further directives.
Mr. Laste explained: “with this we mean no trading activities will be permitted at the inner and outer perimeters of the market circle. All traders who will be affected by this exercise at the Market Circle would be given a temporary space at the Jubilee Park.”
On trading activities at the Sekondi Market, he said all the second-hand clothes and shoe dealers who flood the market and the street on Tuesdays are being relocated to Ekuasi Park, a few meters from the market.
Story filed by Marie Aziz Tunde.
