The Convention People’s Party (CPP), is calling on government to consider the effects of any restrictions it is about to impose to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus on the transport sector and it’s operators.
According to the party, last year’s lockdown and its attendant repercussions had a bad economic effect on especially commercial drivers including taxi and trotro operators.
Speaking at a news conference at the CPP Headquarters in Accra, the National Chairperson and Leader of the party, Nana Akosua Frimpomaa Sarpong Kumankumah said last year’s lockdown restricted movement of people and this affected the business of transport operators, making it difficult for them to make a livelihood.
She said a survey the party conducted revealed that trotro and taxi drivers and the various transport unions are complaining that they are losing their passengers due to the fear that these commercial vehicles are already crowded and could be an easy avenue to contract the virus. They said further restrictions my affect their income.
“It is good that government is putting measures in place to avert the effects of the pandemic on lives but it is equally important that commercial transport operators are also factored in government’s support schemes.” Nana Frimpomaa said.
The CPP is therefore calling on government to come up with a relief fund or financial support for commercial transport operators to cushion them against the devastating effects of restrictions on the transport sector.
“For most of these drivers, the transport business is their only source of livelihood and as a government that cares for it’s citizens, it is important for transport operators to be factored into any kind of support as well.”
The party also urged Ghanaians in general to respect the protocols put in place by government and be ready to always adhere to safety measures to mitigate the spread o the COVID 19.
STORY BY: JONATHAN THOMPSON
