GPRTU Ho Branch 8 Honours Outstanding Workers at 2025 Awards Ceremony

The colourful ceremony brought together drivers, porters, union executives, and representatives from key institutions including the Transport Union Congress (TUC), DVLA, NIC, MTTD, NRSA, and the DCE of Ho West, Hon. Francis Dussey.

Welcoming participants, the leadership of GPRTU Ho Branch 8 stated that the awards ceremony was instituted to motivate members to maintain professionalism, discipline, and unity within the union.

Award Categories and Winners

Awards were presented in three main categories:

1. Best Driver of the Year
This award recognises a driver who demonstrated safe and responsible driving, discipline, respect for traffic regulations, good customer relations, and punctuality.
The Best Driver of the Year award went to Mr. Narh Kwadjo, who has served the station diligently for 30 years. He was presented with a deep freezer.

2. Best Porter of the Year
This category honours a porter who has shown dedication, honesty, respect for passengers, and good cooperation with drivers and branch leadership.
The award was won by Mr. Prosper Agbevor, who received a 43-inch television set.

3. Long-Serving Porter Award
This award was presented to appreciate loyalty and continuous service over the years.
The Long-Serving Porter Award was won by Mr. Manfred Addor, who was presented with a fridge.

Chairman’s Remarks

Addressing the media, the Chairman of GPRTU Ho Branch 8, Mr. Francis Aba, also, the Welfare chairman of GPRTU, explained that the primary aim of the awards ceremony is to motivate and inspire drivers, porters, and all staff to give off their best in service delivery.

He noted that the selection of awardees was based on how members relate with passengers, colleagues, and the branch office. He further revealed that the union is working closely with the Ghana Police Service to enforce road safety, especially during the festive season, with police patrols maintaining security around the Ho main station.

Mr. Aba also disclosed that arrangements have been made with GPRTU Branch 8 Madina to ensure that passengers are not stranded during the Christmas festivities. He emphasized that special attention would be given to students on vacation to ensure smooth travel.

He advised passengers to avoid pressuring drivers to speed, remain vigilant, patient, and cooperate with drivers to ensure safe journeys.

TUC Speaks on Fare Hikes

The Volta Regional Secretary of the Transport Union Congress (TUC), Madam Edith Abla Amenuvor Afenu, addressed concerns about possible fare increases during the Christmas season.

She stressed that drivers under the TUC are expected to adhere strictly to approved transport fares, and any driver who increases fares illegally will face sanctions. She urged passengers not to compromise and report any misconduct. According to her, public education is ongoing to ensure passengers are well informed about approved fares.

Madam Afenu added that although the union faces some challenges, there remains a cordial relationship between the transport unions and government.

Goodwill Messages and Safety Advice

Goodwill messages were delivered on behalf of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), MTTD, NRSA, DVLA, and TUC.

A representative of the NIC revealed that statistics from insurance institutions indicate a decline in road accidents in the Volta Region. He assured drivers that the NIC is ready to address insurance-related challenges but urged them to ensure that all vehicle documents are valid and up to date. He also encouraged vigilance during and after the Christmas festivities.

The MTTD regional commander, Superintendent Benedicta Akpene Ansah, appealed to drivers to remain alert and law-abiding throughout the festive season, while the DVLA representative cautioned drivers against dealing with middlemen for license renewal, advising them to visit DVLA offices directly within one to two months before license expiry.

Other speakers urged drivers to conduct themselves diligently to ensure the safety of passengers and the general public during the festive season.