Akatsi: Mr Daniel Dagba, the Municipal Chief Executive (MCE) for Akatsi South, has urged driver unions within the Municipality to comply with directives established during recent engagements with transport operators in the area. He emphasized the need for compliance to ensure the safety and orderliness of transport operations, benefiting both passengers and drivers while reducing instances of non-compliance.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Dagba's remarks followed a meeting with driver unions, culminating in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by union leaders. This agreement has led to the creation of the 'Association of Akatsi South Transport Operators Union,' which will serve as a unified body to enhance coordination, representation, and collaboration among all driver unions in the Municipality.
Mr Dagba outlined the objectives of the MoU, which include fostering unity, providing a common platform for addressing transport-related issues, and promoting professionalism and accountability. Membership in the Union is open to all recognized driver unions operating in Akatsi South, allowing each member to maintain its identity while operating under the new Union's umbrella.
The governance structure for the Union will consist of an Executive Committee with representatives from each member union, with leadership being rotational or as agreed upon. The Municipal Assembly will act as a facilitator and observer, offering institutional guidance and support when required.
Driver unions that have signed the MoU include Gyeda, Vision, Cooperative, GPRTU, Protoa, Amot, Global Millennium, and Max Transport Union. The initiative was necessitated by issues such as drivers not adhering to approved lorry fares and using unauthorized loading points.
Mr Dagba also announced plans to allocate loading points at the main lorry station to address improper loading and parking issues, moving commercial vehicles off Akatsi's principal streets. Some drivers expressed concerns about fairness and transparency, fearing intimidation by certain unions, especially those operating on the Akatsi-Sogakope route.
The signing of the MoU was witnessed by members of the Akatsi South Municipal Security Council.
