Earlier today, tragedy struck on the Accra to Kumasi highway, as 2M Express, a well-known transport company, was involved in a fatal accident that claimed the lives of eight individuals. Witnesses at the scene of the accident reported that the drivers of these mini buses were driving recklessly, a common occurrence that has caused concern among passengers and other road users.
Reckless driving has been a growing problem on Ghanaian roads, and it is high time the government takes serious and strict safety measures for such transport businesses operating our roads. With all the testimonies about the bad driving habits of these drivers, the government needs to act fast to prevent further loss of lives.
One way to do this is by punishing companies that do not adhere to road safety protocols by imposing heavy fines.
The Ghanaian roads are already death traps, and it is unacceptable for transport companies to disregard safety protocols, putting the lives of passengers and other road users at risk. The government, through the National Road Safety, Ghana Police, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), should come up with a national vehicle tracking policy for all commercial vehicles with strict focus on speed limit. All commercial vehicles should have vehicle trackers installed, and these should be managed by an independent body.
The use of vehicle trackers will enable the authorities to monitor the speed at which these commercial vehicles are being driven, which will help reduce accidents caused by speeding. Heavy fines, permanent loss of license, and jail terms should be served to reckless drivers to deter them from engaging in dangerous driving habits.
The transport industry plays a crucial role in Ghana’s economy, but the safety of passengers and other road users must come first. It is time for all stakeholders in the transport industry to come together and take responsibility for ensuring that Ghana’s roads are safe for everyone.
The tragic accident earlier today highlights the urgent need for the government to take action to address the growing problem of reckless driving among transport companies. The use of vehicle trackers, as well as the imposition of heavy fines and jail terms, will go a long way in preventing further loss of lives on our roads. The government, National Road Safety, Ghana Police, and the DVLA must work together to ensure that all commercial vehicles adhere to road safety protocols and that drivers operate their vehicles responsibly.
