PROTOA to contribute to SSNIT

Agona Swedru, Jan 3, GNA- The Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA)members will soon start paying contributions to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust(SSNIT) to enable them enjoy pension scheme.

Mr Michael Appiah, National Chairman of the Association who announced this at a meeting with the Agona Swedru branch said drivers do not live a better life when they attain the age of 60.

He said the contributions to the SSNIT by the members of the Association would help them pay some percentage to the National Health Insurance Scheme introduced by the government.

He said the Association has directed all branches to compell drivers to make compulsory 'SUSU' savings with maximum of 2,000 cedis a day so that they could benefit at the end of the year.

Mr Appiah noted that this 'Susu' scheme would enable the drivers to purchase any personal effects during Christmas period. He stressed that drivers had been neglected by governments which have come and gone and appealed to the NPP government to assist drivers to leave a decent life.

The National Chairman appealed to the government to ask the Regional Co-ordinating Council to use part of the Common Fund to establish a driving school, at least, in every region for the benefit of the drivers.

He announced that Vehicle and Licensing Authority has declared its intention to conduct examination for drivers before issuing them license to drive and this school could help them to understand and pass the examination.

He called on the Association to invest in profitable ventures for the benefit of the members, instead of spending them lavishly, adding that they should purchase land and construct houses for drivers.

Mr Appiah commended the Agona Swedru branch of the Association for the construction of offices at the cost of 30 million within two years of operation.

He urged them to use part of the resources to build toilet, urinals, and schools in the communities in which they operate instead using it for themselves alone.

Mr Appiah cautioned the members not to drag the Association into politics, adding that PROTOA was established to serve all Ghanaians, including governments.

Nana Yaw Fayah, Central Regional Chairman of PROTOA said that plans are far advanced to purchase uniforms for the drivers and their mates to ensure decency and discipline at the station.

He announced that within two years, the Association has collected about 50 million cedis for the Agona District Assembly from the sale of lorry park tickets and promised to do more this year to assist improve the financial position of the assembly. 03 JAN. 01