Pressure group, New Ghana Social Justice Forum, has issued a stern ultimatum to the VIP Bus Company, citing alarming rates of road accidents involving their buses.
The group has threatened legal action to compel the company to address the “carnage on our roads” or face the revocation of its operating license.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra in December the forum’s president, Mr. Yahaya Alhassan, called for immediate action to curb the rising number of accidents on major routes, including Kumasi-Accra and Accra-Takoradi.
“There are fundamental and administrative failures with the VIP Bus Company. The inadequate training of drivers, lack of refresher courses, and the overburdening of drivers with multiple trips without rest are major contributors to the needless loss of lives,” Mr. Alhassan stated
He lambasted the company’s safety standards, citing poor vehicle maintenance and reckless speeding as persistent issues.
“We cannot sit back and watch our roads become death traps. Women, children, and entire families are being wiped out because of negligence,” he said.
The Social Justice Forum expressed dismay at the lack of widespread attention to the issue, criticizing societal priorities.
“Prominent voices in our society seem more focused on trivial matters than the ongoing menace of road accidents,” Mr. Alhassan said.
The group has called on transport unions to prioritize professionalism and safety, particularly during the festive season, a period traditionally marked by increased travel.
“Our vision is to achieve an accident-free Ghana, but that starts with accountability,” Mr. Alhassan noted.
The forum announced plans to take legal action against the VIP Bus Company and seek the revocation of its license if it fails to implement remedial measures.
The forum also urged civil society organizations and social media influencers to join the advocacy for improved road safety.
“This is not just a call for action; it is a call to save lives. Let us work together to reduce bloodshed on our roads,” he appealed.