The Ghana National Bureau of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme has held a one day training workshop for police MTTU officials in the Akatsi District. Held on Wednesday April 10, 2013 at the Akatsi District Assembly hall, the workshop took security personnel through the features of the new secured Ecowas Brown Card, claims procedures and the role of the police in the implementation of the scheme. The CEO/General Secretary of the Ghana National Bureau of the scheme, Mr. Gabriel Glover, in his opening statement said: “The Bureau recognizes the role of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit of Ghana Police Service as a partner of the scheme in safeguarding our citizens and promoting trade in the sub-region”. Mr. Gabriel Glover stressed that the law enforcement agencies such as the Police, Customs and Immigration personnel should have an in-depth knowledge of the operations of the scheme to enable them effectively handle ECOWAS Brown card cases at exit and entry points. “According to the Road Traffic Act, 2004 Act 683, a person who issues or tenders a certificate of insurance which is false, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding 250 penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 12 months or both,” the Mr Glover quoted. He said the new card was launched in Cotonou, Republic of Benin, on 12th October 2011 during the 28th Ordinary session of the Council of Bureaux of the ECOWAS Brown Card Insurance Scheme. The New Secured Brown Card, according to him, has improved security features that can only be seen by those inspecting the card, who use sophisticated gadgets to verify it. The ECOWAS Brown-card Insurance Scheme was established following the endorsement of the 1982 Protocol to enhance the inter-states transports by the Head of Governments of the Economic Community of West African States. The Protocol as amended aims at facilitating free movement for the citizens of member states and guaranteeing fair and prompt compensation for damages suffered by victims of road accidents involving international roads users.