By Michael Foli Jackidy
Ho (V/R), Dec. 22, GNA – The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC Ho Branch Eight, has organised an awards ceremony to recognise hard work, discipline and dedication among its members.
The ceremony, held on Monday, December 22, at the GPRTU station in Ho, honoured members in three categories: Best Driver of the Year, Best Porter of the Year, and Long-Serving Porter Award.
Mr Francis Aba, Chairman of GPRTU Ho Branch Eight, said the union believed that recognising effort motivated excellence and strengthened unity within the branch.
“This ceremony is our way of saying thank you to members who have gone the extra mile in the discharge of their duties,” he said.
He explained that the Best Driver of the Year award was presented to a driver who demonstrated safe and responsible driving, discipline, respect for traffic regulations, good customer relations, and punctuality.
According to him, the Best Porter of the Year award recognised dedication, honesty, hard work, cooperation with drivers, and respect for passengers, while the Long-Serving Porter Award honoured loyalty and years of faithful service to the branch.
Mr Aba congratulated all award recipients and urged members to remain disciplined, committed and hardworking, assuring them that good conduct would always be recognised.
Madam Vida Nkpentey, Secretary of the Branch, said the programme was not merely ceremonial but purposeful, aimed at celebrating excellence, professionalism and discipline among drivers and porters.
She noted that the initiative was also intended to promote road safety, honesty, loyalty, and unity, and to motivate members to give off their best in the transport business.
Mr Charles Owusu Boakye, Volta Regional Technical Engineer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), advised drivers to personally renew their licences and roadworthiness certificates ahead of their expiry dates, rather than relying on middlemen.
He warned that failure to properly renew documents could result in invalid records in official systems, which could affect insurance claims in the event of an accident.
Mr Boakye also cautioned drivers against speeding, stressing that safety on the road protected not only passengers but also the livelihoods and families of drivers.
Madam Joana Fafa Ayer, Volta Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), said that although road crashes involving commercial vehicles in the region had reduced in 2025, injuries had increased due to higher passenger loads.
She urged drivers to strictly adhere to posted speed limits, especially during the festive season, describing safe travel as the greatest gift drivers could give to their families and loved ones.
Mrs Edith Abla Afewu Amenuvor, Volta Regional Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), commended the leadership of GPRTU Ho Branch 8 for the initiative, describing the award scheme as innovative and motivating.
She encouraged members to uphold safety, professionalism and unity, and congratulated the award winners, particularly the Best Driver for 2025, for demonstrating competence and discipline in their work.
Mr. Narh Kwadjo emerged as the Best Driver of the Year and was presented with a chest freezer, while Mr. Prosper Agbavor won the Best Porter of the Year award and received a mini refrigerator.
The Long-Serving Porter Award went to Mr Manfred Addor, who was presented with a 42-inch television set.
The award recipients expressed their gratitude to the leadership of GPRTU Ho Branch 8 for recognising their dedication and hard work and encouraged other members to emulate their commitment and discipline.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included representatives of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), the Volta Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), the Ho West District Chief Executive, executives of GPRTU Ho Branch Eight, drivers, porters and members of the union.
GNA
Edited By: Maxwell Awumah/Kenneth Odeng Adade