Veep calls for pro-active measures to curtail road accidents

Thursday, 23 February 2012 02:13

Written by ghanapolitics.net

Accra, Feb. 22, GNA- Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday appealed to the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) and stakeholders to step up their educational programmes on road safety to avoid preventable road accidents.

“Government would do everything necessary for the total reduction of accidents and we expect that you will all play your roles responsibly to ensure an accident- free country in the coming years.” He added.

Vice President Mahama made the appeal when he commissioned 88 vehicles of the Road Safety Management Services Limited (RSML), a private road safety company in Accra to launch the operation of towing services in the country.

The vehicles, which are made up towing trucks, ambulances and motor-bikes, would be used jointly by the company, the NRSC, Ghana Police Service and other stakeholders in road safety and accident free activities.

RMSL ambulances would be used in conveying accident victims to hospitals and other health facilities, while the motor-bikes would help the police to carry out rapid response to accident scenes in the cities.

Vice President Mahama expressed regret that an average of 12,000 road accidents is recorded in Ghana annually leading to the death of 1,800 on the average.

He appealed to the agents of change in road accidents to dedicate their educational programmes on the use of roads and road-worthy vehicles, which formed a major component of the accidents.

He cautioned politicians and drivers against reckless driving before and during the campaigns leading to the general election, saying: “we do not need to rush… during elections to be involved in unnecessary accidents.”

Air Commodore Basin Dery (Rtd), General Manager of RMSL said his outfit would provide large parking lots for towed disabled vehicles and provide emergency paramedical and ambulance services to accident victims.

He said the company would also provide vehicle repair and maintenance services at the depot and support the establishment of neighbourhood watch units to fight against crime and other societal disorders.

The General Manager said his company would establish 45 depots across the country, particularly in the accident-prone areas, which would be provided with workshops, rest stops and restaurants, large parking lots among other facilities.

GNA

38 Graduate Apprentices receives working equipment

Thursday, 23 February 2012 02:13

Written by ghanapolitics.net

The Rural Enterprise Project of the Business Advisory Centre in alliance with West Gonja District Assembly has donated some working equipment to 38 graduate apprentices from various trades and vocations in the West Gonja District worth GH₵17,467.40. Some of the equipment were Sewing Machines, Hair Dryers, Carpentry Equipment, Vulcanising tools, Barbering Machines and Electrical welding working tools.

The beneficiaries were from different vocational associations which include hairdressers, dressmakers, carpenters, welders, blacksmith, fitters and barbers.

The Rural Enterprise Project is a project initiated by the government and with support from International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) to alleviate poverty in rural areas.

However, the purpose of the donation was to support the various vocational workers in the district. The initiative seeks to equip the beneficiaries to be entrepreneurial and self-reliance and also to boost their income earnings.

At the occasion, the West Gonja District Chief Executive Hon. Adam Mutawakilu, expressed his sincere gratitude to government for its quest to alleviate poverty.

He however, advised the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment, and must make sure the equipment will be put under good maintenance environment in order to make them durable.

Hon. Mutawakilu, assured the public that, the District Assembly in collaboration with the Business Advisory Centre is establishing a Rural Technology Facility for the district. He explained that, the project was to take care of the technological aspect of their vocation, thus, it will enhance work efficiency and promote easy access to maintenance of equipment.

He also revealed that the contract has already been awarded to the contractor, and preparations are made towards the commencement of the project.

In his presentation, the Head of Business Advisory Centre, Mr Alidu Ewura, encouraged the beneficiaries to make good use of the equipment in order to increase their income level.

Nonetheless, Mr Ewura warned the beneficiaries not to sell their equipment, because the items were solemnly for free, he stressed that the monitory systems will monitor and culprits will be dealt with legally for selling the equipment.

He said the Rural Enterprise Project have been extended for 8 years with effect from January 2012. He then assured them that, there will be more donations to other vocational workers in the district. Hence, they should not be relentless in their efforts to work hard in other to fend for themselves.

By Shallom Lumor
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