The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has voiced deep alarm over the increasing number of road accidents nationwide, attributing the trend in part to the excessive daily sales targets imposed on commercial drivers. In a statement endorsed by National Chairman William Osei (popularly known as Paa Willie), Central Regional Chairman Kwesi Arhin, and Greater Accra Regional Chairman Nii Ashi, the Association highlighted that many of the recent crashes involve commercial vehicles.
According to the statement, drivers are being compelled to engage in unsafe practices in order to meet unrealistic financial demands set by vehicle owners. “The Association has observed that the imposition of exorbitant daily sales targets by some car owners is a major factor contributing to these accidents,” the statement stressed.
C-DAG has cautioned that the mounting pressures on commercial drivers are compelling them to work beyond safe hours and resort to overspeeding, thereby endangering lives. “Drivers are being forced to endure long hours, drive at excessive speeds, and take unnecessary risks simply to meet these financial demands—putting themselves, passengers, and other road users in grave danger,” the Association emphasised.
The group is urging vehicle owners to reconsider the daily sales targets imposed on drivers, stressing that moderation could play a vital role in reducing road crashes. “Easing this burden will relieve drivers of undue pressure and contribute significantly to saving lives on our roads,” the statement noted. C-DAG further issued a pointed warning against overspeeding with Toyota Voxy vehicles, which are increasingly being adopted for commercial transport. “We particularly caution drivers against reckless speeding with the new Toyota Voxy models,” the Association declared.
It explained that “while these vehicles are comfortable and powerful, their speed and smooth handling can easily encourage reckless driving if not properly controlled.” C-DAG urged its members and other transport unions to put safety above financial targets, especially when operating high-speed vehicles such as the Toyota Voxy.
“C-DAG strongly cautions its members, as well as members of other transport unions and associations, to exercise restraint, obey speed limits, and prioritise safety over sales,” the statement stressed. The Association also called on the government to urgently invest in alternative transport systems to reduce the heavy pressure on road transport.
“Government should seriously consider reviving and expanding railway transport and water transport, particularly within the Ashanti, Eastern, Central, and Western Regions,” it said. According to C-DAG, such investments will help reduce road congestion, ease pressure on drivers and vehicles, and prevent avoidable crashes and loss of lives.
Source: Bernard Ralph Adams
