Ghana Police Is Unfriendly - Cargo Transport Ass. Story: Witty K. Adusu At a 10-year anniversary celebration by the Ghana National Cargo Transport Association (GNCTA) in Accra, the Association’s General Secretary, Alhaji A. Baba, has emphasized that with some police personnel on the road, their members are always in unnecessary problems which make them unsafe. Alhaji Baba explained that the police officers are comfortable harassing their drivers, arbitrary arrest, and heavy ‘extortions’. Also, he said the sad of it all was when the then government has increased the vehicle income tax with about 350%, to worsen their plight as cargo drivers in this country. And it became necessary for them to call on the government to intervene; else, they would suspend cargo and haulage operations across the country. Out of this, they decided to form a recognized association to enable them dialogue or negotiate with the government and all other agencies on issues, and to operate legally; upon the advice from one Janet Akyeampong then with the Internal Revenue Service, ten years ago. In spite of hindrances, they were able to establish over 56 district branches and 11 locals with a membership of 2,000 today. As part of their vision and mission, the association wants to establish more branches in identified areas and market places. They have two maize markets in Odumase Sunyani and Wenchi in the Eastern and Western Regions, amongst other market centres in other beneficiary regions. Also, their success story was that, the association hauls various foodstuffs from the hinterlands and farm gates, loading points and from the markets to others places were the final consumers could be reached in the cities and towns. He noted that others want to capitalize on the freedom of association to do their own thing that are not in conformity with the cargo rules, under the disguise of unions; and this is a challenge to the association. Adding, as part of the challenges, he said the non-issuance of license to their qualified cargo drivers who pass the driving test; amongst many other problems. With the anniversary message to the cargo haulage drivers, Alhaji Baba said the drivers must do maintain the trucks with every day education in order to bring safety on the roads. He said further amongst many others messages that drivers must carry with them the necessary road accessories in their vehicles in case of breakdown, to mitigate any potential accidents. On his part, the Acting Driver and Vehicle License Authority (DVLA) Executive Director, Mr. Rudolf said DVLA is prime agency in the Motor and Driver License administration. So it could contribute negatively in the course of administration duties towards road transport. On that noted he reminded the Ghana National Cargo Association to be careful as drivers since safe road transport is critical to the lives the people. Therefore, the Association must position itself to contribute towards the attainment of safe transport in the country. therepublicgh
Posted on: Thu, 11 Jul 2013 11:00:50 +0000
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