Rickety Taxis In Vogue In Tamale

The Northern Region, particularly the Tamale Metropolis, is fast becoming a hub for rickety taxis ahead of the CAN 2008 football tournament, which takes place in Ghana in January 2008.

DAILY GUIDE's investigations revealed most of these cabs did not possess the requisite documents from the Driver Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to operate.

These vehicles mostly ply the new stadium, Tamale Polytechnic, Estate and Hospital roads all within the metropolis.

Though passengers complained all the time, owners of the taxis had stood their grounds, refusing to get them off the streets.

The drivers and owners of such vehicles, it was gathered, had refused to embark on major repairs to put them in shape. In some cases one could see the ground as the vehicle moved along the street.

The corrugated iron doors of such vehicles, according to health experts, when it injured one, could result in tetanus.

When DAILY GUIDE contacted the Northern Regional License Officer, Mr. Wisdom Tamakloe, he acknowledged that such rickety cars had taken over the streets of the Metropolis.

According to him, his outfit had earlier warned the various station officers not to accept such vehicles for loading.

He warned that his outfit would institute punitive measures against any station officer who flouted the directive.

The officer hinted that the last quarter of the year was to be devoted for on-the-spot checks to ensure that the streets were rid of such cars.

He warned against political interference saying it was in the interest of the Metropolis ahead of the CAN 2008, during which many visitors would coming to town.

He appealed to passengers to be mindful of the vehicles they boarded.

Mr. Tamakloe hinted that the police administration together with DVLA was to ensure that owners of such vehicles were put before the law courts.

He assured the public of decent vehicles and taxis before Christmas and during the CAN 2008 tournament.

From Stephen Zoure, Tamale