The embossment of special identification numbers on taxi-cabs introduced by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) in February this year has now received legal backing. The “AMA Taxi Bye Laws 2007” which was passed at the Assembly’s last meeting on May 28, 2007 makes it illegal to operate a taxi in the Metropolis without the embossment of the special identification number. The new law is expected to be gazetted in September this year, after which it would be effective. Yaw Adjei, acting Public Relations Officer of the Assembly, said the passage of the new law will make it easy for the AMA to keep a comprehensive data on taxis and improve revenue collection. He said the exercise has so far captured 13,000 taxis on data as against 25,000 taxis projected by the city authorities. “Since it has now become compulsory for taxis in the jurisdiction of the AMA to register with the Assembly, for an embossment of the special number, tax invaders could be traced and arrested for the appropriate sanctions to be effected,” he added. “Any person who contravenes any of the provisions of this bye laws commits an offence and shall be liable on summary conviction of a fine not exceeding 100 penalty units or in default to a term of imprisonment for a period not exceeding six months or both,” he added. Mr. Appiah said the Assembly will collaborate with the various law enforcement agencies to ensure that the new law is effective and respected to the letter. He called on all taxi drivers within the jurisdiction of AMA to take advantage of the extension of the deadline for the exercise and get their taxis embossed with the special identification numbers to avoid falling foul with the law. Source: The Ghanaian Times