The Ghana Journalists Association ( GJA) has encouraged the citizenry to go out and vote in today's District Level Elections (DLE). The GJA said turning up to vote in the DLE would be a testament to the country's maturity in its democratic practices. It said development started from the local level so it was important to elect competent people to spearhead such developments. '…We expect a high turnout…,' Mr Kofi Yeboah, Secretary, GJA, said in a press statement. The GJA's call stems from the low voter turnout that has characterized the DLE since its commencement in 1988/89. Data shows that voter turnout in 1988/89 was 59.3 per cent while that of 1994 was 29.3 per cent. In 2002, the figure increased marginally to 41.6 per cent and decreased again in 2006 to 33.1 per cent. The turnouts for 2010 and 2015 were 35.5 per cent and 30.6 per cent respectively. The GJA, therefore, urged all to show up at the various polling stations and participate in the process. It also urged all stakeholders in the process, i ncluding the Electoral Commission and the security agencies to be professional in the discharge of their duties. The Association also called on the media to provide extensive coverage for the elections and uphold high professional standards. Source: Ghana News Agency The National Authority for the Campaign Against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), in conjunction with the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA), has embarked on a road safety campaign aimed at ensuring safety and efficient road transport service to reduce road accidents. Speaking during the flagging-off ceremony held at the County Commissioner's office in Uasin Gishu County, Roads and Transport County Executive Committee Member (CECM) Engineer Joseph Lagat said that the campaign is expected to focus on all road users by creating awareness on the causes and effects of road accidents and sharing policies that can be employed to minimise accidents. 'As a county, we have the initiative to construct roads and ensure road users use the roads safely by adhering to the rules and regulations set by the government, 'he said. The Deputy County Police Commander, Uasin Gishu, Paul Wambugu, urged drivers to refrain from over-speeding and reckless driving and to respect the lives of their passengers and other ro ad users. 'It is during the festive season that accidents on our roads are at their highest. By doing the campaign on how people use the roads both as drivers and passengers, it is important to reduce fatalities during the festive season,' noted Wambugu. On her part, NACADA North Rift Regional Manager, Eunice Arubia, further noted that alcohol and drug abuse are significant contributors to road accidents in the country. She urged drivers and Boda Boda operators to refrain from operating vehicles and motorbikes under the influence of alcohol and drugs. County Chairman Uasin Gishu Matatu Sacco Union, Fred Wamu, stated that they are going to ensure that drivers adhere to road safety ahead of the festive season and continue creating awareness on the dangers of drunk driving, high speeding, and overworking during busy periods. County Chairman Uasin Gishu Boda Boda Union, Nahashon Kipchumba, further stated that the riders will continue to be sensitised on the need to be careful when transporting passengers fro m one point to another without carrying excess passengers to avoid accidents. Source: Kenya News Agency
Menu