Coronavirus: Trotro drivers flout GPRTU directive on passenger spacing

Source: Ghanaweb News Online | 26 March 2020

Effective, today, March 26, 2020, Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) directed its members to reduce the number of passengers by one on each row.

This means vehicles that carry three on normal days are supposed to carry two per row while those who take four per row will do three.

The directive by the GPRTU forms part of efforts in ensuring social distancing in the fight against the Coronavirus outbreak, which has already claimed some lives in the country.

However, a tour by GhanaWeb indicates that Trotro drivers are yet to adhere to the new directive.

On a trotro ride from Sowutuom to Kwame Nkrumah Circle, the 3-seater vehicle was filled to the capacity of passengers without any distancing. The driver and his mate kept dropping off and picking passengers to fill all seats in the car.

A closer look at most vehicles plying that route were also going about their normal business as if no such directive has been put in place.

From Dodowa Amanfrom to Madina; Madina-Dworwulu; Darkuman to Lapaz; Lapaz to Dzorwulu; Taifa to Achimota; Circle to Dzorwulu, trotro drivers who commute this route were also spotted not adhering to the new directive.

This caused a heated confusion between passengers and the drivers with their mates this morning.

One driver speaking to GhanaWeb explained that “we are aware of the coronavirus, but reducing the number of passengers will affect our sales. As we also have to buy fuel. It is not the government that buys the fuel for drivers, we do it ourselves.”

An angry passenger, hearing the driver’s explanation added that she is pleading with President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to lock down the country.

“I work in a private company. If I have my way, I will stay home to avoid being exposed to the virus but since that is not possible, I am pleading with the president to at least listen to the advise of the Ghana Medical Association, who are also calling for a lock down.”

GhanaWeb noticed that most passengers carried hand sanitisers and used them at least three times on the trip, while others covered their mouths and noses with their handkerchiefs or nose masks.

Ghana’s coronavirus cases hit 132.

Ghana’s Coronavirus cases have jumped from 68 to 132. The death toll, however, remains 3.

According to the Ghana Health Service, out of the latest update of 132 cases, 78 are from persons in mandatory quarantine. These persons were not allowed into the general population. Treatment has commenced for them.

Local cases stand at 54 many of whom were also returnees.