Taxis, other vehicles to carry special identification numbers

Mr. Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Minister of State in charge of National Security, says taxis and certain types of commercial vehicles are to carry special identification numbers in addition to their normal registration numbers.

Their drivers will also be requested to boldly display their photo identity inside their vehicles. A release issued by the Ministry of Communications said Mr. Quakyi announced this at a meeting with the Accra Tema branch Chairmen and Executives of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in Accra. Mr. Quakyi said the exercise is aimed at arresting the situation where vehicle number plates are easily changed by some criminal elements, thereby escaping timely arrest by the police. It will also enable the public and security agencies to quickly identify vehicles used in committing crimes and thus enable arrest and effective prosecution of the criminals. The minister revealed that the security agencies have discovered that a number of persons with criminal gangs operate taxis and other commercial vehicles, which they use to monitor the movements of their prospective victims.

Nii Okaija Adamafio, Minister for the Interior, noted that the GPRTU serves as a vital link between the security agencies and the general public and must, therefore, put their efforts firmly behind the search for an end to criminal activities. He appealed to the Union to weed out elements within their ranks whose activities could bring it into disrepute. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Peter Nanfuri, said the nation is at war with criminals disturbing the peace and security of the country and called on the GPRTU to be part of the solution to the problem.

Mr. E. K. Gbedemah, National Chairman of GPRTU, and Alhaji Tetteh, Greater Accra Regional Chairman, endorsed the proposal and pledged their support to work as partners to the security agencies in the effort to track down criminals and reduce the level of crime in the society. The special identification numbers will begin with taxicabs in Accra and Tema Metropolitan Areas, the release stated.