Police & MTTU Begin “Operation Sanity On Our Roads”

22 Jan 2011 51 news, social
The Ghana Police Force and the National Motor and Transport Unit (MTTU), are embarking on a programme dubbed “Operation Sanity on Our Roads”, this was disclosed at a press conference held at the Ghana Police Headquarters in Accra. The Director of Police Operations, Mr. John Kudalor, said issues regarding the increase on road traffic accidents have necessitated them to embark on the “Operation Sanity on Our Roads”. “It is gradually becoming an annual ritual where at the onset of every first quarter of the year, fatalities resulting from road traffic accidents continue to be on the ascendency,” he said. The Commanding Officer of the MTTU, ACP Angwubutoge Awuni, said effective and pragmatic strategies have been formulated to reduce the spate of road fatalities. He said this is yielding huge dividends as the occurrence of accidents and the loss of lives have reduced considerably. He commended the MTTU for embarking on a doorstep sensitisation programme at the various lorry parks in Ghana, creating awareness on key road safety during the yuletide. The unit also conducted patrols in the central business districts and other suburbs of major towns in Ghana to check drivers who disregarded traffic laws. The unit also mounted snap checks with its limited speed radar guns and alcohol sensors to control excessive speeding and drunk driving he added. He pleaded with the media to help consolidate the gains made over the Christmas; whilst the police continue to ensure that road regulations are observed. ACP Awuni mentioned that, equipments such as speed radar guns, Alco-meters or breathalysers, digital height gauges, magic light, digital/video camera, reflective jackets are needed to support their work. He promised the public that regular and rampant checks will be done at various checkpoints; also seminars will be conducted regularly for commercial drivers to educate them on safe driving practices all in the bid to reduce the carnage on our roads. Mr. Awuni assured the public that the police will ensure that old vehicles do not ply the roads as they cause a potential hazard to all those who use our roads. He cautioned drivers not to drive under the influence of alcohol and to avoid using their phones whilst driving. He called on the public to be vigilant by assisting the police to check on drivers who violate traffic laws. The German Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Eberhand Schanze, donated 44 pieces of bullet proof vest for the use of the Ghana Police Force. Mr. John Kudalor, thanked the German Embassy for the gesture and assured them it will be put to good use.

Source: ISD (Lawrencia Ziwu & Pricilla Aidoo)