Joint Transport Operators in Takoradi, led by Metro Mass Transit (MMT) Ltd, have condemned the Western Regional Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, for using his office to unduly favour a private transport company.
A statement released by the transport operators, claimed the Transport officer of the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolitan Assembly (STMA), Patrick Sebe, and some others have openly declared that the national bus carrier did not exist in the Western Region, leading to the release of the MMT Terminal in Takoradi to a private transport company, Bimbisala Cooperative Transport Limited.
“According to Mr. Patrick Sebe, a permit has been signed by Honorable Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah, (W/R) Minister who is also acting as the Metropolitan Chief Executive(MCE) for the release of the terminal to the private operator after the MMT Board Chairman and the Transport Minister have all spoken against the act,” portions of the statement read.
Personal gains
The group added that the action of the Minister is suggestive of the fact that he owes the said transport company and not any other private operator, as indicated.
“As the Chairman of RESEC, Honorable Kwabena Okyere Darko Mensah is by the constitution of the Republic of Ghana expected to ensure peace and harmony in the region but not to create chaos among citizens.
“Metro Mass Transit, GPRTU (Western Region) and the aforementioned stations cannot and would not be able to work with the Bimbisalah Cooperative, harmoniously, in Takoradi,” the statement said.
“The said transport company has been already registered at the Effia Kwesimitsim Municipal Assembly (EKMA) and operating successfully there, giving us another strong view that the said permit signed by the Honorable Regional Minister is for his own buses,” the statement added.
The group has, thus, called on National Security Secretariat to show interest in the current development and ensure that peace prevails in the region.