With the approach of the December elections, concerns continue to be raised about how supporters of political parties should be disciplined to ensure that their activities do not result in accidents on the road. In order to get the message to the parties a forum on the road safety code has been organised at Yendi by the Northern Regional Road Safety Committee for political party leaders from Yendi, Mion, Zabzugu/Tatale, Saboba, Karaga, Chereponi and Kpandai Constituencies in the Northern Region.
The Yendi Municipal Co-ordinating Director, Alhaji Mohammed Asibi Azonko said accidents during political campaigns can be attributed to over enthusiastic supporters who defy road traffic regulations and drive recklessly through over speeding, overloading and sitting on unapproved carriages among others. Alhaji Azonko indicated that governments over the years have committed a lot of resources at improving road transportation and expect that there should be a correlation between this improvement in the road sector and a reduction in road accidents. He noted that this is however not the case because the spate of accidents are on the ascendancy claiming several lives.
Mr. Azonko said an estimated GHC160 million, is spent annually to deal with motor accident cases in Ghana. Alhaji Azonko called on political leaders to educate their supporters to conduct themselves in such a way that they stay alive before, during and after this year’s election. The Northern Regional Co-ordinator of the Road Safety Committee, Sumani Mbo said if the political parties allow their supporters to die during their campaigns, they will lose the people who will vote for them. The Yendi Divisional Police Commander, Chief Superintendent P. A. Sarpong asked the political parties to be mindful of the Public Order Act during their campaign to ensure that nothing is done to disturb the peace the country is enjoying.
He said the vehicle irrespective of whether they belong to individuals, political parties or hired must be road worthy and bear road worthy certificates, with valid insurance certificates. He warned motor riders who do not wear crash helmets that they risk arrest and prosecution. The Yendi Municipal Electoral Officer, John Mensah assured Ghanaians that the Electoral Commission will always strive to be fair and firm in discharging its duties towards peaceful elections.
