The Volta Regional Directorate of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), in collaboration with other stakeholders, has intensified engagement with tricycle operators to enforce road safety protocols and prevent accidents.

The engagement focused on compliance with safety protocols, education, and the formal regulation of tricycles, which have been identified as a leading cause of road accidents.

Volta Regional Director of the NRSA, Joana Fafa Ayer, sensitised the operators on the new safety requirements under the newly established framework.

The requirements include mandatory union membership, ensuring all commercial operators join a recognised transport union for better accountability and identification.

Operators are also required to obtain a commercial rider’s license from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), possess a valid National ID, and be at least 18 years old.

Madam Ayer charged participants to comply with these requirements and road safety regulations to avoid accidents, noting that road safety is a shared responsibility.

She warned that operators who fail to comply with safety standards and traffic rules would be arrested and prosecuted.

Chief Inspector Prince Tsatsu Sewornu of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) urged operators to adhere to speed limits, respect other road users, and strictly observe zebra crossings to prevent accidents.

He implored operators to prioritise human life over speed, avoid drunk-driving, unnecessary overtaking, overloading, and unsafe U-turns, which could result in fatalities.

Chief Inspector Sewornu noted that some accidents result from operator negligence, emphasising the need to follow all precautions to prevent such incidents.

Volta Regional Chairman of the National Union of Tricycle Operators of Ghana (UNTOG), Francis Selasi Alaga, advocated for further engagements with NRSA to enhance operators’ skills.

He urged all operators in the region to avoid actions that could lead to fatalities and to continue abiding by all regulations governing their operations.