The Executive Secretary of the Bureau of Public Safety, Nana Yaw Akwada, has called for a broader stakeholder engagement to address the risks associated with transporting hazardous materials on Ghana’s roads.
His comments come in response to a proposal by the Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Abraham Amaliba, suggesting a daytime ban on transporting dangerous substances such as LPG and dynamite.
Amaliba explained that moving these materials at night could reduce the risk of accidents that threaten human life, property, and the environment.
While acknowledging the intent behind the suggestion, Nana Yaw Akwada, in an interview with Citi News on Friday, May 9, described the proposed ban as an unsustainable solution.
He emphasised that the safe transportation of hazardous materials depends more on robust protocols and oversight than on the time of day.
He stressed the need for a national dialogue involving all relevant regulatory bodies to craft a comprehensive policy framework.
“I believe that we have to have a broader national discussion on this, involving the key stakeholders within this consideration. The Environmental Protection Agency, the Minerals Commission, the Department of Factories, and of Training and Licensing for people who move such substances.
“If we can have that neutral discussion, we wouldn’t have to worry about what time of day these substances are moved,” he said.