THAT OUR ROADS MAY BE SAFE (MARCH 14)

THE spate of road accidents in the country is an issue of great concern to many Ghanaians, as there appears to be no let up.
At the height of the recklessness on our roads, the Motor Traffic and Transport (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service has declared a new era of effective patrols on highways in the country.
To show its commitment to the cause of restoring sanity on our roads, the MTTU has, indeed, begun deploying more highway patrol men to help enforce road regulations as part of efforts to reduce the spate of road accidents in the country.
The latest initiative by the MTTU is commendable, as it aptly expresses a commitment to address a very nagging issue that has plagued us for many years.
It has been estimated that the country has one of the worst road accident rates on the continent and that alone should serve as a strong factor to challenge the relevant authorities to embark on an aggressive and effective drive to address our road safety woes.
In many developed countries, the presence of traffic cops on the highways serves as a strong deterrent for road traffic offenders, but that cannot be said of the situation in the country.
Time and again, complaints about unprofessional conduct on the part of traffic cops have received some spotlight but it appears the canker has been difficult to eliminate.
Traffic cops have often been accused of compromising their professional conduct by accepting bribes from road traffic offenders.
On assumption of office, the acting IGP, Mrs Elizabeth Mills-Robertson, outlined measures to ensure a more disciplined society and the intensified patrols on the streets are a strong indication that those declarations were not empty rhetoric.
While the DAILY GRAPHIC welcomes this development, we also wish to emphasise the need to remain committed to the ideals of the initiative.
In years gone by, traffic cops were jolted into action after public outcry over road accidents, but those drives only remained a nine days’ wonder.
This time round, there should be a greater desire to enforce the laws and that should not be left to the personnel of the MTTU.
As noted by the MTTU boss, Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Daniel Avorga, the success of the initiative would also depend on the co-operation of drivers and the travelling public.
It is refreshing to note that this time round the police would not only check the activities of drivers but also educate them on the responsible and safe use of vehicles and the highways.
The enforcement of road traffic laws must be pursued in the most comprehensive manner and education, no doubt, will come in handy in this regard.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also wishes to encourage motorists, passengers, the media and, indeed, the entire citizenry to keep watchful eyes on the activities of drivers and traffic cops to ensure that best practices and professionalism are preserved.
We, therefore, advocate the introduction of more surveillance cameras on our highways as a way of identifying reckless drivers who can then be “named and shamed” appropriately.
By demonstrating such consciousness, together Ghanaians will be helping to restore sanity on our roads in order to prevent the loss of innocent lives through avoidable accidents.