The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) in the Upper East Region in collaboration with the Regional Police Command has held a forum to sensitise political parties on road safety measures as the country prepares towards the December 7, 2020 polls.
The initiative was part of NRSA road safety campaign dubbed “Arrive Alive” aimed at reducing road accidents in the country especially in the periods before, during and after the elections.
In addressing participants at the forum, which included representatives from political parties, police personnel, and officials of the regional NRSA, the regional director of the NRSA Mr. Dennis Yeribu, expressed worry about the recent increase in road accidents in the region, and the country as a whole.
Most accident cases in his view, were mostly as a result of indiscipline among road users, and therefore urged party leaders to support the Authority to instill in their members discipline so they exhibit that on the roads as they embark on their campaign and other political activities.
In making the remark Mr. Yeribu stated, “We want to ensure that every Ghanaian remain alive before, during and after the elections, so we are imploring you the party leaders to be ambassadors of Road Safety to ensure that at all times your following would adhere to road safety precautions.”
The Station Officer for Kassena-Nanka Municipal Motor Transport and Traffic Unit (MTTU) Inspector Emmanuel S.K. Adomu, in adding his voice to discussion, called on motor riders to be law abiding and desist from riding motorbikes without crash helmets. Describing the observation, Inspector Adomu said riding without crash helmet was becoming a norm among riders and that the conduct is dangerous and unlawful.
Road safety is a shared responsibility, and so road users must take responsibility of their own safety whiles ensuring to take the right precautionary measures he emphasized.
Then called on the youth as well as Party supporters and sympathizers to desist from plying the roads when drunk to avoid accidents that may claim lives.
According to the police station officer for the area, maximum cooperation of the public is needed to reduce indiscipline on the roads ahead of the elections and during the Christmas festivities.
Political party representatives at the forum pledged to educate their members to ensure their safety as the campaigns gathers momentum. They also pledged their commitment to ensure peace before, during and after the December elections.
