Okofrobour Obeng Nuako III, Chief of Dunkwa-On-Offin in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality of the Central Region, has urged drivers to prioritise passenger safety and strictly follow traffic regulations as the Harmattan season begins.
Speaking at the 8thAkwasidae celebration at the Obeng Nuako Ahenfie in Dunkwa-on-Offin last Sunday, the chief noted that the harmattan comes with increasing risk of road accident in the mornings, due to heavy dust and low visibility.
He called on motorists to drive cautiously, maintain safe speeds and ensure that their vehicles are roadworthy to handle the dry and dusty conditions.
“Drivers must understand that the safety of their passengers is a sacred responsibility. Reckless driving during harmattan is a danger we cannot afford,” he stated.
The Dunkwahene also appealed to transport unions to intensify public education on road safety, particularly for commercial vehicles. He emphasised the importance of using headlights, keeping safe distances, and avoiding fatigue behind the wheel.
He called on the government through the Ministry of Roads and Transport to consider the rehabilitation of major routes such as Dunkwa–Obuasi, Dunkwa–Ayanfuri, and Dunkwa–Twifo Praso roads to protect lives and enhance local economic activities.
He warned that bad roads not only increase road crashes, but also expose travellers to highway robberies.
From Oswald P. Freiku, Dunkwa
