Transport operators across the country have intensified road safety education and driver monitoring to reduce accidents and ensure the safe movement of passengers during the festive season.

According to the operators, the initiative aims to curb reckless driving and prevent accidents, which often increase during the busy Christmas travel period. Transport unions such as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and commercial transport companies, including Royal VVIP, have all taken steps to educate their drivers.

Speaking to The Ghanaian Times, the Disciplinary Committee Secretary of the GPRTU Odawna Branch, Mr Osman Abdul Karim, said drivers and mates had received education on road safety, traffic regulations, passenger relations, and vehicle maintenance. He stressed that safety remains a top priority, especially during peak travel periods.

“We speak to them about being cautious on the road, respecting passengers, and maintaining their vehicles properly,” he noted, adding that the union regularly engages branch executives to reinforce discipline among drivers.

Similarly, the Station Master at 2M Express at Circle, Mr Frank Osei, said drivers had been instructed to obey speed limits and drive responsibly. He explained that trackers are being installed in vehicles to help monitor driver behaviour and prevent overspeeding. Drivers who flout the rules, he emphasised, would be sanctioned.

Drivers from the Adabraka Taxi Co-operative Union and Neoplan also confirmed receiving similar safety instructions, noting that traffic congestion is unavoidable during the festive season.

Chief Driver of BestMark VVIP under Royal VVIP, Mr Jonathan Kwarteng, attributed heavy traffic largely to poor road conditions. He stated that travel time from Accra to Kumasi could increase from five hours to as long as nine hours due to congestion and bad roads. He appealed to the government to fix deteriorating roads, stressing that safe arrival is more important than rushing.

Passengers interviewed said that while some drivers remained calm and professional, congestion had caused significant delays.

Transport operators have therefore called on the police to intensify road checks to enforce traffic regulations. They added that transport fares remain unchanged despite increased demand during the festive season.