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Set a day aside to celebrate drivers
Samuel Amoah
The National Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Mr Samuel Amoah is calling for a consideration of a day to be set aside and celebrated as ‘Driver’s Day.’
“That would encourage professionalism and go a long way to show the commitment of the country to ensuring road safety,” he said.
Mr Amoah told The Spectator in an interview that the call was not new in Ghana where days have been set aside to celebrate people in other professions for the contribution towards nation building.
“It would be a proud moment to call out private and commercial drivers who have driven responsibly on the road and prevent needless deaths for awards annually.
“Drivers who do not drink and drive, over speed, over load, do not ignore road signs, do not speak on the phone while driving, disrespect their passengers and other road users should be highly commended,” he said.
Mr Amoah believes that a ‘Driver’s Day’ celebration will among encourage more drivers to live up to expectations and become more conscious and responsible on the road.
He said on a daily basis, the GPRTU received calls of commendation for drivers who has acted and conducted themselves professionally.
“We are also quick to take punitive measures against those who have misconducted themselves or bring the name of the job into disrepute,” he stated.
He said if a driver carried many passengers from one place to the other successfully, it was considered a normal thing, however, if the unfortunate happens and lives were lost, the whole country takes them on.
Mr. Amoah said good works should be rewarded to serve as a motivation to those who are upholding the right standard to continue their good work.
He said it would also encourage more drivers to take their maintenance culture seriously because a vehicle in a right state for the road was equally important.
The PRO said the contributions of drivers in the area of the economy by carrying several workers to and from work daily and also carrying farm produce to the market to feed the nation was also enormous.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Ashaiman
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
