Watch out-The Ministry of Roads has altered traffic routes to Spintex.

The Ministry of Roads has altered traffic routes to Spintex.

The Ministry of Roads and Highways has altered traffic from Accra to Spintex, Accra Mall and Madina as part of efforts to ease traffic at the Tetteh Quarshie interchange.
Henceforth, motorists from Accra and the 37 Military Hospital to the Spintex area would be expected to turn right at the airport traffic light to the airport roundabout towards the Polo Grounds and then turn right unto the new diversion that links the Spintex road.
The Minister of Roads Highways, Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, made this known when he toured some project sites in the metropolis .He was accompanied by the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Afotey Agbo, and the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mrs Mogtari.
He expressed satisfaction at the rate of work on the roads on the eastern part of Accra after the inspection .

Accra Mall to Spintex
He said motorists exiting the Accra Mall to the Spintex area would be expected to turn right unto the new diversion by the mall which was close to the motorway, go straight and turn at the roundabout onto the Spintex road.
According to the minister, motorists coming from Spintex to Accra and 37 Hospital areas would be expected to turn left unto the new diversion towards the Polo Grounds and left to the airport roundabout then to Accra or 37.

Achimota to Spintex
He said motorists coming from Achimota to the Spintex area will have to descend the loop unto the mall roundabout and use the new diversion by the mall which was close to the motorway and go straight and turn to the Spintex road.
Alhaji Fuseini said motorists coming from Accra and 37 to Legon and Madina areas would be expected to use the main highway directly from 37 area, adding that those from the Aviance areas to Madina would have to drive to the airport roundabout and turn left to join the main road.

Projects to Complete
He said the projects, which started almost two years ago, were expected to be completed by the end of this year to ease congestion on the Spintex road and the Tema motorway in the coming years.
Apart from the roads, there will be an interchange at the Congo junction, improvement on the Teshie township roads, and total improvement on the Burma Camp roads as supplementary projects.
He commended the contractors for working within the scheduled time, adding that once completed, traffic on the Spintex road, Tema Motorway and Beach roads would ease as these roads would serve as major alternative routes.

From: http://mamens.blogspot.com/2015/02/ministry-of-roads-alters-traffic-routes.html

PRESS RELEASE NRSC MEDIA OFFICE

NATIONAL ROAD SAFETY COMMISSION MEDIA OFFICE

August 20, 2014

TO: ALL MEDIA

PRESS RELEASE

MID-YEAR ROAD SAFETY REPORT SHOWS REDUCTIONS IN ROAD TRAFFIC FATALITIES

The National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) mid-year review meeting with its regional teams at Ho last week revealed an encouraging trend of reductions in the number of road traffic related deaths (fatalities) and injuries.

The National half-year road safety situation reflects a reduction in the number of persons killed (fatalities) and injured compared with the same period last year. By the close of June, a total of 963 and 6,317 persons have died and suffered injuries respectively through Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) representing a seven percent (7%) and two percent (2%) in deaths and injuries respectively.

During the first-half of the year, Upper West, Upper East, Ashanti, Central and Northern regions all recorded declines in fatality (death) figures by 35%, 28%, 24%, 20% and 12% respectively over the same period last year.

However, in terms of the regional targets for the mid-year, Ashanti recorded the highest reduction of 43 % in road traffic related deaths followed by Upper East and Eastern regions with 5% and 4 % reductions respectively.

Ing. Mrs. May Obiri-Yeboah Executive Director of the NRSC says, “The half year situation is encouraging but not enough. We must continue to work hard towards our end of year projections if we are to meet our goals under the National Road Safety Strategy III (NRSSIII). We must continue to be guided by data in all our activities, increase our engagements with our stakeholders on strategic regional concerns, step up advocacy for the ‘’Be Alert. Speak-up”-Passenger Empowerment Campaign and awareness for the use of the lollipop stands among other interventions”.

For the next half year, the Commission will continue to focus on advocacy for best road user practices especially in the core areas of passenger safety, pedestrian safety and the safe use of motorcycles which together account for almost seventy-five percent (75 %) of our national road safety challenges in order to achieve our target for the year.

Road safety remains a developmental issue with consequences for our health, tourism, national image and most of all our growth and poverty reduction efforts. The Commission remains committed to its coordinating responsibility in the promotion of best road safety practices, programmes and standards for all users and will continue to count on the support of its stakeholders, all road users and the media in order to deliver on the national expectation as provided in the national road safety blueprint-the NRSSIII. Thank you

-SGD- Kwame Koduah Atuahene, Esq. Head, Communications.

POST OFFICE BOX 01683 OSU-ACCRA TOLL FREE- MTN 18008 VODAFONE 0800-10800 ESPRESSO 10800

0262546220

Business Ghana: 24/07/14: New Yutong Executive Coaches Launched onto Ghanaian Market

J.A Plant Pool and Yutong Ghana Limited, have launched onto the Ghanaian market new executive coaches to enhance the transformation of the transport sector.

The introduction of the new buses also coincided with the sixth anniversary celebration of the entry of Yutong buses into Ghana.

Speaking at the launch, Deputy Minister of Transport, Ms Joyce Bawah Mogtari, said J.A Plant Pool’s presence in the transport sector in the last six years had sent a strong message into the transport industry.

“I consider your initiative as an indication of your support for the promotion of passenger comfort and vehicle safety in our country,” she said, adding that the introduction of the new buses was in line with government’s objective of ensuring a sustainable, accessible, affordable and efficient transportation system.

She said government was working on the procurement of 200 buses for the Metro Mass Transit Limited, to facilitate the movement of passengers, and another 295 buses from Sweden for the Bus Rapid Transit to help ease congestion and traffic on the roads.

Ms Mogtari urged the company to provide education on the use of the new fleet of buses to enhance efficiency, safety and long life span.

“It is heart-warming to see partnerships like this between J.A Plant Pool Ghana Limited and Yutong Ghana Limited,” adding that government would continue to create the enabling environment and support for private bus operators to work together to bring about improvements.

Mr Lolu Akindele, Managing Director J.A Plant Pool, said the company had through the introduction of the Yutong buses in the past six years, helped to pioneer the transformation of the transport industry in the country.

He said the company had sold over 1,000 buses in Ghana and in other countries in the sub-region, including Sierra Leone and Equitorial Guinea.

Mr Akindele said the flexible payment terms provided by the company also provided a turning point making Yutong buses more popular than other brands.

He said the introduction of the executive buses would add onto the public transport system coaches which have been manufactured to suit African work conditions.

Ms Adwoa Frimpomaa Nimako-Boateng, General Manager J.A Plant Pool, said as part of the anniversary celebration, the company would provide free diagnostic services and massive discount on spare parts.

She said the new buses are manufactured to meet the Ghanaian terrain, have large compartment and efficient fuel consumptions.

Mr Frank Pian, a Representative of Yutong, said the company had manufactured and provided specialiszd buses to Europe, Africa, Asia and other parts of the world.

About J.A. Plant Pool

J.A. Plant Pool Ghana Ltd. is a private limited liability company, registered under the laws of Ghana with Head Office in Accra and branches in all the 10 (ten) regional capitals.

The company is registered to carry out the business of plant pool, rentals/leasing of heavy Construction equipment, as well as Mining, Forestry, Agricultural and Sanitation machinery and equipment.

It also deals in Trucks and Luxurious Buses.

The company also provides complete service support for all its equipment or products and periodic maintenance is customized to suit customers’ specific needs and equipment operational requirement.

J.A. Plant Pool offers assistance to its clients in the areas of fuel nozzle test bench, hydraulic pump test, fuel injection test bench, transmission and engine test bench, as well as a-state-of-the-art spare parts support center to meet and support customers’ spare parts needs.

About Yutong Ghana Limited

In 2007, the first batch of 36 units Yutong luxury intercity buses were exported to Ghana. After being put into operation, the good performance and stylish appearance of these buses, together with the sound after-sales service, have brought huge influence to local users, media and related government bodies.

Yutong’s bus mass export to Ghana has been triggered since then through the common efforts with the local partners.

Headquartered in Zhengzhou of central China’s Henan Province, Zhengzhou Yutong Group Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Yutong Group”) is a large-scale industrial group mainly specialized in the bus business, and also covers some other strategic businesses such as construction machinery, automotive parts and components and real estate among others.

Yutong buses have been exported to many countries and regions, including Cuba, Venezuela, Russia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong and Macao.

Yutong has got WVTA certificate of EU and has begun entering the European market. Yutong buses have been delivered to France, Norway, Israel, Macedonia and so on, and successfully entered the American market in 2012.

Information from GNA, japlantpoolgh.com and yutong.com was used in this report.

Source: BusinessGhana

See http://www.businessghana.com/portal/news/index.php?op=getNews&id=199386

Georgetown Public Policy Review: ‘Heckle and Chide: Saving Lives on Africa’s Roads’

Image Source:http://gppreview.com/

Heckle and Chide: Saving Lives on Africa’s Roads.

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Soul Takers -The Video

“The law fiercely forbids that we to a public officer to make false presentation

But alas! The very officer gospels his clients in flagrant misrepresentation;
Evangelises on how to circumvent the most hallowed convention
And also, how to go about bare-faced falsification
All this without a hint of moral trepidation…” Anas Aremeyaw website (http://anasaremeyawanas.org/)

 

Road Safety During Ramadan

Image Source: http://easytrackghana.com/: Tamale Mosque

Ramadan is a very special time and its all about being with the ones close to you, and this creates a lot of traffic. This festive time also brings very unique  challenges for all groups of traffic participants.

The Ramadan specific lifestyle has physical effects on the body. Fasting can result in dehydration and low blood sugar, which can affect our attentiveness, concentration, vision and reaction. In addition to fasting, unusual and irregular meal timings and sleep patterns can cause fatigue, exhaustion, impatience and distraction.

Jut before sunset is a problematic time to be on the roads, since motorists tend to rush towards Iftar appointments. This pre-iftar rush hour is a mix of psychological urges and physical needs and motorists might use this as an excuse to misbehave on the roads.

 How to do it Right

• Be aware of your own potential limitations!
• Watch out for other traffic participants potentially under the same effects.
• Expect the unexpected – we all MUST drive defensively!
• Motorists should try to anticipate sudden movements by others, including cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians.
• Approach signals carefully at Iftar time – even when the light is green – and don’t jump red lights!
• Keep a sufficient distance between their vehicle and don’t tailgate.
• Plan  your schedules properly and leave early to avoid the need of rushing and speeding.
• Plan for possible delays and add a time puffer!
• You can run a little bit late  – people will understand.
• Around sunset prior to Iftar, be very cautious!
• Stay off the roads at sundown, if you can avoid it.
• Always wear your seat belt – Ramadan is a good time to finally start this habit!
• Use your lights during dawn, before Iftar
• Avoid fatigue and get enough sleep.
• Pull over immediately when you becoming drowsy.
• Use public transport or taxis.

How to do it right  – as non-fasting driver, pedestrian, motorcyclist,  passenger, etc.

• ALL traffic participants mus t be extra careful during Ramadan!
• As a ‘weaker’ traffic participant, pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist, watch out for potentially irrational behavior of other traffic participants!
• Be considerate and generous to other traffic participants who might fast!
• Apply the same defensive driving approach like fasting traffic participants.
• Try to staff off roads at dawn before Iftar.

source: http://www.roadsafetyuae.com/ramadan/

 

Vivo Energy Ghana Supports Road Safety Education in Schools

Image Source: Vivo Energy website

Vivo Energy Ghana, the company that distributes and markets Shell-branded fuels and lubricants in partnership with the National Road Safety Commission and the Ghana Education Service has organized a two-day trainer of trainer’s workshop on road safety for some schools in the Greater Accra Region.

The objective of the training was to equip the teachers with the requisite skills and resources to enable them educate pupils in their various schools on how to ensure safety on the road and to serve as agents of change for the peers and siblings.

The Corporate Communications Manager, Mrs.  Shirley Tony Kum said the school based road safety project dubbed “My Road Safety” is a pedagogic interactive programme comprising of series of classroom work, outdoor road safety activities, simulation exercises, and quiz competitions.

She said the project has the broad objective of educating school children to inculcate in them a conscious, civilized and safe behavior in the three different situations on the road as pedestrians, passengers and as cyclists. “Toolkits comprising of road safety text books, posters, games, safety vests, school bags among others will be distributed to pupils of participating schools to facilitate effective classroom and outdoor road safety lessons” says Shirley Tony Kum.

In his keynote address, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Fred Osoro said the company remains committed to the programme and promise to work with relevant stakeholder’s towards its successful implementation. He said the company has the plan of replicating it in schools within the ten regions of the country and urged the teachers to intensify road safety education in the various schools.

The Greater Accra Regional Manager of the National Road Safety Commission, Mr. Daniel Wuaku commended Vivo Energy Ghana for providing the funding for the project and believed the partnership with the Commission will reinforce safety consciousness in children. “We have no objection to this exemplary drive which forms part of our interventions and fully endorses it as a very good example of exhibiting corporate social responsibility.

Participating schools for the first phase are SDA Basic School, Bishop Mixed, Bishop Girls, Accra Sempe Primary, Boundary Road School, Kwashieman 1 Primary and Odorkor 1 JHS, Mamprobi Sempe 5 JHS/ North 4 Primary School, Kwashieman 2 Primary, Salvation Army B Basic and All Sanits Anglican Basic, all of which are located on high risk roads.

See http://www.vivoenergy.com/News/tabid/161/articleType/CategoryView/categoryId/229/language/en-GB/Ghana.aspx

5 Must-Know Steps: What to Do If Your Car Overheats

If you have ever been stuck on the side of the road in the scorching sun with an overheating car and your car’s cooling system is not working properly, here’s what to do.
Image source: sevacall.com: Car overheating
How to handle an overheating engine in TRAFFIC.Being in traffic when your car begins to overheat can make the situation that much more stressful. But it’s important that you let your cooler head prevail and follow these tips: If you’re stopped in traffic, put the car in neutral or park and rev the engine a bit. This will encourage water and air flow through the radiator, helping to cool it. If you’re in stop-and-go traffic, aim to creep rather than alternating between braking and accelerating. Braking generates a lot of friction, which will only turn up the heat.
Always carry an extra bottle of coolant	First, always carry an extra bottle of coolant (also called antifreeze) in your car, as well as a bottle of water. Engines typically overheat because the coolant’s low, so topping it up will usually solve the problem. Failing that, water will also temporarily do the trick. Plus, that water could be a lifesaver on long, sweltering drives. Just don’t drink it all.
Turn off your A/C	When you see the temperature gauge creeping into the red or a notification light glowing, immediately turn off your air conditioner (since the AC puts a lot of strain on your engine). Roll the windows down to cool off the way nature intended.
Crank up your heater	If the problem persists, crank your heater up to full blast. It could make the next few miles a pretty brutal experience, but the transfer of heat away from the engine might just save its life
Pull over and turn off the engine	Should the preceding steps fail, pull over as soon as you can. Turn off the engine. If you can pop the hood from the driver’s seat, do so — but don’t risk opening it by hand until the engine has cooled, especially if you see steam wafting off the engine. It typically takes a solid 30 minutes for an engine to cool down enough for it to be safe to handle. If you’d rather let a professional handle the problem, it’s time to call for a tow truck.
Check the coolant	Once the engine has cooled, check the coolant tank. It’s usually a translucent plastic tank near the radiator. If the coolant tank is empty, you may have sprung a leak. Take a quick look under the car. If you notice a drip or puddle, chances are the coolant tank is leaking. Source: by John Moore Williams. blog.esurance.com

Business Ghana: 20/06/14: NRSC evaluate Road Safety Strategy

A review of the National Road Safety Strategy (NRSS III) has shown major shortfalls in financing activities of key implementing agencies to help reduce the high fatality rate and injuries from road traffic crashes.

Ms Paulina Agyekum, a Consultant with the Albin Consult Limited, who was contracted to review the performance of the NRSS III, said although much has been achieved through the hard work of the implementing agencies, limited funding has been a major constraint to achieve implementation of road safety measures.

She said accident statistics has improved since the implementation of the strategies, but suggested strong private sector partnership to improve funding, for infrastructure development, provision of the necessary road safety equipment and training of personnel.

Ms Agyekum said this on Thursday at a dissemination workshop by National Road Safety Commission (NRSC) to evaluate its first Action Plan within the framework of the NRSS III which was expected to run from 2011 to 2020.

Mr Emmanuel Num, Director of Finance and Administration of Ministry of Transport, said the NSSS III, which was launched jointly with the United Nations Decade of Action initiative, seeks to implement measures to stabilise the trend of persons killed and seriously injured in road traffic crashes by 2015 and systematically reduce same by 50 per cent by 2020.

Ghana has adopted the strategy-based approach to road safety management and has so far implemented the NRSS I (2001-2005), NRSS II (2006-2010) and currently implementing the NRSS III (2011-2020).

Mr Num said the NRSS III has therefore become the “blue print” for all road safety interventions in the country over the period 2011 to 2020 with broad objectives of improving road safety management, ensuring safer mobility, safer vehicles, safer road-users, improving emergency response and enforcement in line with global concerns.

He said seven key agencies which include the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, Motor Traffic and Transport Department Unit of Ghana Police Service, Ghana Highway Authority, Department of Urban Roads, Department of Feeder Roads, National Ambulance Service and Ghana Red Cross Society have been tasked to implement the strategies.

He, however, said road safety is a national and a developmental issue and therefore places huge responsibility on all public-sector stakeholders and the public to own the strategy and demand accountability from its management. He said over the period of the Action plans under review 6,500 persons have been killed through road traffic crashes.

“We need to reflect on our progress and challenges as a group so that we can strategise for the targets ahead”, he said.

Mr Num said the Ministry through the NRSC has a duty to mobilise and coordinate technical and financial resources and efforts to minimise road traffic crashes and their associated deaths, injuries and socio-economic costs.

He said the Ministry is happy with the leading role of the Commission, especially its approach to provoke strategy, action plans, policies and programmes with data and research.

He said government is committed to resource the road safety institutions and agencies, including the NRSC to develop strategies and plans to ensure sustainable road safety management.

Mrs May Obiri-Yeboah, Executive Director of NRSC, acknowledged the continuous support and commitment of stakeholders in the implementation of road safety measures.

She, however, called for the strengthening of the partnership to develop strategies and action-plans based on data and research to implement cost effective measures and systems to motivate an improvement of the national road safety situation.

Source: GNA

GBCGhana.com: Concerned Citizen appeals for re-examination of structural work on George Walker Bush Fly-over

Image Source:http://www.gbcghana.com/ George Walker Bush Highway, Accra

A concerned citizen, Nyametse Nyarko has appealed to engineers of the Ghana Highway Authority to re-examine the structural integrity of the George Walker Bush Fly-over to prevent any fatal and unfortunate accident.

Mr. Nyarko who shared his experience on the fly-over with Radio Ghana said his fears are that the fly-over has developed structural defects. 

Nyametse Nyarko is a concerned citizen who had a live experience on the George Walker Bush Bridge.

Listen to the audio clip at: http://www.gbcghana.com/1.1760612

Source : GBC