…RIET Transport are champions again
Puma Energy Ghana, a leading energy solutions provider, is demonstrating its commitment to road safety through collaborative educational and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting safe driving practices as it hosted its Transporters’ Safety Quiz for the 7th year running.
Recent statistics from the Ghana National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) paint a concerning picture: between January and July 2024, there were a staggering 7,470 road traffic incidents involving 12,678 vehicles, including private cars, commercial vehicles, motorbikes, bicycles, and tricycles.
These incidents resulted in 9,965 casualties, comprising 1,405 fatalities and 8,560 injuries. Notably, this data indicates a disconcerting 13 per cent increase in road fatalities compared to the same period in 2023, underscoring the importance of road safety measures.
The Transporters’ Safety Quiz serves as a platform for educating transporters about road safety and encouraging the adoption of safe driving habits. The event also honours drivers who prioritize safety standards, whilst fostering collaboration and knowledge about road safety among participants.
The 2024 edition welcomed representatives from Puma Energy Ghana’s contracted transporters including RIET Transport, J.K. Ahiadome Transport, and J.K. Horgle Transport who showcased their knowledge and commitment to road safety.
There was an engaging four-round session, anchored by renowned national quiz master, Dan Afari Yeboah, during which transporter representatives displayed exceptional knowledge of road safety practices, receiving enthusiastic cheers from their peers and guests alike.
RIET Transport emerged champion to retain the crown won in 2023. They were rewarded with a cheque, certificate, and commemorative plaque in recognition of their outstanding achievement. Other drivers were also recognized, underscoring the importance of safe driving on our roads.
The 7th Transporters’ Safety Quiz attracted not only the transporters but also key figures from organizations such as the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), the National Road Safety Authority, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Association of Oil Marketing Companies, and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) reflecting the broad engagement of the oil and gas sector in this important initiative.
Puma Energy Ghana firmly believes that effective road safety education hinges on strong collaboration with its employees and partners. In pursuit of this goal, the company has implemented the Intelligent Vehicle Monitoring System (IVMS) across its operations.
This technology provides numerous advantages for enhancing driver safety, including helping drivers and enhancing their behaviour to mitigate speeding and nighttime driving incidents, whilst also ensuring compliance with industry regulations and safety standards, tracking critical parameters to promptly address potential compliance issues and promoting responsible driving behaviour among operators, thereby fostering a culture of safety.
Samba Diop, the General Manager of Puma Energy Ghana, emphasized the company’s focus on safety, stating, “At Puma Energy safety stands at the core of our operations. Safety is more than a priority in our operations in Ghana, it’s an integral part of our business. We are committed to safeguarding the security and health of not only our employees but all our stakeholders and partners.
“The Transporters Quiz is an annual initiative that highlights the value of knowledge-sharing and learning in advancing road safety. We are committed to collaborating with our employees, contractors, and stakeholders to create a safer road environment for everyone.”
Puma Energy Ghana has recorded a remarkable low Lost Time Injury Frequency Rate (LTIFR) over the past 5 years, reflecting our commitment to safety with injuries recorded due to road transport and operations, stated Samba Diop.
In brief remark, Jacob Amoah, Co-ordinator, Unified Petroleum Pricing Fund (UPPF) of the NPA, delivered on his behalf by Freda Tandoh of the UPPR Department of the NPA, commended Puma Energy Ghana for its proactive approach to promoting safety on the roads within the downstream sector.
He also touched on the positive impact of the UPPF on the transporters’ businesses and the industry by ensuring shorter turnaround in business operations.
Felix Owusu of the National Road Safety Authority commended Puma Energy Ghana for such an initiative and implored transporters to be worthy ambassadors and extend lessons to other drivers.
