12 Phone Drivers Nabbed

Nine out of 12 drivers who were arrested by the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Ghana Police Service for receiving phone calls while driving, have been fined by an Accra Motor Court.
Three of them, including a lawyer, who failed to appear in court, have also been issued with a bench warrant.

Those charged included Yusif Mohammed Zibilla, Thomas Ayipah, Issah Adamu, Mohammed Rasheed Byrouthy, Boboafor Frank, Ben Korley, Asare Kofi Agyapong, Paul Osei and Priscilla Osei. The wanted persons are Jane Tetteh, a lawyer with Shawbel Consult at Labone, Walter Donkor and Arthur Frank.

They were arrested at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle and Kaneshie on Monday and Tuesday. The suspects were charged with four offences including failing to retain complete control over the vehicle, causing danger to other road users, dangerous driving and resisting arrest as contained in 1,1953 of the Road Traffic Act.

Commenting on the arrest, the National Commander of the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Unit, ACP Awuni Angwubutoge, stated that even though there was no law covering the use of mobile phone while driving, there were laws in the Road Traffic Act that dealt with the phenomenon. He said most drivers knew the right thing but they failed to pay heed to it. “While driving, it is expected that he driver pays attention to the steering and other road signs but on phone one can hardly pay attention as he might have divided attention,” he added.
He said the best thing to do was to park the vehicle while receiving a call, noting that the fines ranged from GH¢100 to GH¢500.

ACP Awuni advised members of the public to comply with the law in all situations.