VIP opens premium terminal in Volta to boost transport and tourism

VIP Jeoun Transport has opened a premium terminal in the Volta Region to offer safer, more comfortable and reliable long-distance travel, while promoting tourism and creating jobs for the youth.

Representing the Volta Regional Minister, Mr Noah Agboado said the Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC) is ready to partner investors whose operations will drive the growth of the region, noting that VIP's presence will improve connectivity between Volta and other parts of the country and create employment for the youth.

The Regional Manager of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Madam Joana Fafa Ayer, said the Authority will ensure strict compliance with road traffic regulations, stating that the company would be required to register with the NRSA and its drivers monitored for speeding and made to undergo regular refresher training to stay abreast of road safety tips.

Madam Ayer further reminded operators of long-distance services to engage two drivers to curb fatigue-related crashes, explaining that under the relay driver system, drivers will change over at designated points to reduce fatigue and enhance passenger safety.

General Manager of VIP, Mr Adakabre Frimpong Manso, said the company, which started 17 years ago with a single Kumasi-Accra route, has expanded to about 85 destinations, driven largely by growing passenger numbers that continue to encourage the company to do more.

He disclosed that VIP has extended its operations to the Volta and Oti areas, including the Aflao-Elubo route, and will connect Ho, Hohoe, Kpando and Dambai with its new 35-seater executive buses designed to offer greater comfort, more legroom, reclining seats and full air-conditioning.

Mr Frimpong Manso emphasized that the new buses are aimed at giving passengers a more relaxing experience on long journeys, where they can recline and stretch their legs in a comfortable ambience.

He also announced plans to collaborate with the VRCC and the Ghana Tourism Authority to promote tourism in the Volta Region, stressing that international tourists should look beyond Kakum to attractions such as Wli Waterfalls and Mount Afadjato, which could benefit from increased promotion and improved transport access.