Transport operators call for enhanced security in northern enclave

Some transport operators plying the Kumasi and parts of the three northern regions have called for enhanced security in the area to protect lives and also their businesses.

They say if these concerns were not addressed as a matter of urgency and security in those areas improved, they would be left with no choice but to withdraw their services and ply other routes.

This comes after the shooting and torching of a bus at Walewale in the North East Region, which resulted in the death of seven people.

Addressing a press conference in Kumasi, the Director of the ADT Transport, Richard Karikari, called on the government to consider security arrangements for transport operators in a bid to support the local economy.

”If some private people are investing in the transport business, it is up to the government to help us protect our investments.

If the government is unable to provide the necessary security for us, then it will be better for us to park our coaches or ply other routes until peace is restored,” he said.

He said it was unfortunate that feuding factions were not considering the impact of their actions on economic activities in the enclave, stressing that they could not continue to risk their lives and businesses.

Incident

Mr Karikari said last week, the coach owned by ADT Transport, was transporting passengers to Kumasi but it developed a mechanical fault at Loagri near a police barrier.

However, while it was parked to get the problem fixed, he said some gunmen attacked the bus, opening fire on them before setting the bus ablaze.

He stated that the driver’s assistant, Hamidu Alhassan, was able to run to safety but others were not so fortunate and seven people lost their lives.

Alhassan, who was at the press conference, said he had been traumatised by the incident and would only return to his job on that route if security improved. 

“We plead with the government to improve security on the route. Plying it has become too risky.

"At first, we were scared of attacks from armed robbers now our coaches are being set ablaze and being shot at.

Something needs to be done to protect our lives and our livelihoods," the driver's assistant said.