GPRTU has entrusted vehicle inspection responsibility to station masters – GPRTU member

Eric Lantey Lamptey, a member of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) Communications Team, has revealed that the union has delegated the task of inspecting commercial vehicles to station masters. This decision is part of GPRTU's efforts to reduce the number of road accidents in the country. During a special Prime Dialogue on the Road Safety Crisis on Joy Prime’s Prime Morning, Mr. Lamptey explained that no vehicle is permitted to operate from any GPRTU station unless it has undergone a thorough inspection and vetting process.

He emphasized that the GPRTU operates a decentralized yet stringent system, empowering station masters to ensure only roadworthy vehicles are permitted to transport passengers. Before a vehicle is accepted into a station, station masters conduct comprehensive inspections, including a physical examination of the vehicle's tyres, brakes, lights, and overall condition, followed by a test-drive to evaluate its performance.

Mr. Lamptey stated that this initiative aims to supplement the efforts of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and ensure that all vehicles on Ghana's roads are safe for both drivers and passengers. The remarks come amidst a surge in road accidents in Ghana, prompting various stakeholders to advocate for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations.

The Prime Dialogue, titled "Road Safety Crisis: Who is responsible?", is examining the roles of drivers, transport unions, the police, and regulatory bodies in tackling this issue. While GPRTU is actively involved at the station level, Mr. Lamptey stressed that road safety is a collective responsibility that necessitates discipline from drivers, vigilance from passengers, and robust enforcement by state agencies.