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Support efforts to make road traffic safe-GRSA
The Ghana Road Safety Authority (GRSA) has held a stakeholders consultation on the draft Legislative Instrument (L.I.) with a call on Ghanaians to support efforts aimed at sanitising the road sector.
The new regulations have become evident as it would provide a framework for the coordination, regulation, implementation and enforcement of road safety regulations and standards.
When passed, the L.I would enable the NRSA to enforce standards, to promote sanity and reduce crashes on the roads.
The L. I would advance realistic enforcement of provisions in the National Road Safety Act, 2019 (Act 993) which established the Authority.
It was attended by personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport and Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, traditional authorities, transport unions, garages, representatives of the Ghana Highway Authority, representatives from the Ghana Federation for the Disabled as well as the Ghana Red Cross Society.
During a presentation, the Director of Planning and Programmes at the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), David Osarfo Adonten said the nation could not continue to look on for people to flout road safety regulations with impunity.
“We have reached a point in our history where we have to regulate the road transport sector and also that operators in the sector adhere to the established regulations,” he said.
He also said that: “Driving should be seen as a profession and we must ensure that drivers who ply our roads have the requisite professional training to drive on our roads”.
Under the new L.I, he said, every driver must belong to a union and that there would be no floating drivers.
Mr Adonten said the road sector played a crucial role in the socio-economic development of the nation and all efforts must be made to safeguard the sector.
He explained that, the engagement was to bring more ideas to enrich the new L.I before its final submission to parliament.
Mr Adonten indicated that, the safety of people, especially on public transport, needs to be guaranteed and explained that public transport must not be allowed to operate in a disorganised way.
He said, drivers would not be permitted to load at the road side but only within bus terminals and lorry parks.
The planning and programmes director further pointed out that the NRSA would work hard to ensure adherence to standards within the sector as stipulated in the new L.I
He noted that some of the road accidents in the country could be attributed to expired tyres which he said had the potential to cause accidents on the road.
Additionally, Mr Adonten said, vulcanisers would be trained to make them efficient and effective in their work and also certified across the country.
A Director of the Central Regional Coordinating Council, Kingsley Agyei Boahen, who was the chairman for the meeting, urged the all stakeholders to support the NRSA to come out with a comprehensive L.I. that would help streamline activities within the sector.
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
University of Ghana opens maiden ‘Artify’ visual arts exhibition
The University of Ghana, in partnership with Nubuke Foundation and KGL Foundation, has launched a week-long visual arts exhibition titled ‘Artify’ on the University’s campus.
Running from November 26 to December 2, the event showcases drawings and paintings by eight visual artists selected by the University.
The artists participated in a two-week skills and business orientation training before the exhibition, where they were coached on art practice fundamentals, copyright and intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and business management.
The training was to help the artists upscale their craft and expand their client reach, equipping them to become more business-oriented art professionals.
The Artify project, under the theme Amplifying Art as a Business, was conceived by the University of Ghana’s Office of Research, Innovation, and Development (ORID).
Professor Felix Ankomah Asante, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Development, University of Ghana, said they aimed to equip them with the necessary tools and skills to thrive as artists and entrepreneurs.
“This initiative nurtures talent and fosters entrepreneurial spirit among young aspiring artists. Together, we cultivate creativity and transform passion into sustainable careers,” he said.
Prof. Asante said that the skills required to run an art business were often overlooked, as art was commonly perceived as a hobby that doesn’t necessitate specialised management skills.
He argued that by integrating business and project management skills into the art ecosystem in Ghana, more organisations and investors could be encouraged to support creatives.
Madam Odile Tevie, Director of Nubuke Foundation, called on authorities to create more platforms, similar to the Artify exhibition, where artists could showcase their work.
She advocated the establishment of visual arts spaces in communities, where local talents could receive training and be nurtured in their craft.
Mr Sedem Atsu Avornyo, one of the participating artists, praised the University and its partners for the initiative.
He noted that his knowledge and skills had been greatly enriched, better preparing him for the job market. –GNA
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Don’t harass, visitors on period of election …Comptroller-General cautions Immigration staff
The Comptroller-General of Immigration, Mr Kwame Asuah Takyi, (Esq.), has asked personnel of the service, especially those at the various borders of the country, not to harass people who travel in and outside of the country during the election period.
The advice is to stem reports that usually characterise immigration operations in border communities in such crucial moments.
He gave the advice at the 2024 Comptroller-General’s end-of-year games held at the McDan La Town Park on Friday.
It was under the theme “Kick for unity, sports for peaceful elections.”
According to Mr Assuah Takyi, It was important for personnel of the staff to behave professionally and live by the high standards required to ensure peace and tranquility at the border towns where elections would be ongoing.
“I want to remind you of the roles and responsibilities expected from you. Don’t take advantage of the upcoming general elections to harass visitors and passengers going in and out of the country.
“Perform your duties professionally as immigration officers and, where necessary, assist other security agencies to maintain peace, law, and order before, during, and after the elections.”
“Be apolitical because your services are to Ghana first and only, and not to any individual or political party. As officers in uniform, don’t put up behaviours that would question your professionalism.”
“This is not a call on immigration staff alone. All the security agencies are poised to display high standards of professionalism to ensure that Ghanaians vote in a peaceful atmosphere,” Mr Takyi said.
Flanked by three-time African best player and former captain of the Black Stars Abedi Ayew Pele, who was the special guest of honour, the Comptroller-General stated that as officers and men in uniform, their duty to the country was to maintain peace, law, and order and not to be involved in dubious or political activities.
“If any of you want to do politics, resign and hand over your uniform to the service and go. This information should go out there to our officers across the country.”
Mr Assuah Takyi urged members of the general public to behave responsibly to make the work of the security officers simple and peaceful while cautioning potential troublemakers to have a change of mind because that would not be tolerated.
“The National Elections Security Taskforce (NESTF) met the political parties on Thursday to reaffirm our commitment to professionalism, impartiality, and adherence to the rule of law.”
“Our actions will be impartial and guided by the law, and anyone who decides to violate the laid-down laws will be made to face the law.”
Mr Asuah Takyi urged all to operate within the confines of the law to ensure a successful and trouble-free election.
By Raymond Ackumey
