Road Accidents: TotalEnergies pledges commitment to protecting ghanaian schoolchildren with launch of VIA programme
TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC has pledged its commitment to protecting Ghanaian schoolchildren with the official launch of the VIA Safe Mobility Education Programme in Kumasi.
The initiative, created by the TotalEnergies Foundation in partnership with the Michelin Corporate Foundation, is designed to equip young people under 18 with the knowledge and skills to navigate roads safely on their way to and from school.
Speaking on behalf of the Managing Director at the llaunch on Tuesday the Kumasi Area Manager Mr. Ernest Butias said the programme reflects the company’s long-term investment in child safety.
“Safety is a core value of TotalEnergies and it extends well beyond our operations to protecting children on Ghana’s roads. Every child deserves to go to school safely and return home safely.”
The VIA Programme adopts a student-led model where selected pupils are trained as VIA Ambassadors to spot road risks around their schools and lead awareness campaigns in their communities.
Since 2019, it has reached over one million young people across 45 countries and 2,000 schools.
For his part the chief of Kwaso Nana Osei Fosu, who delivered the keynote address as Guest of Honour, said the programme’s impact will depend on community ownership.
“Its strength lies in youth education and behavioural change. Success will depend on the commitment of VIA Ambassadors, teachers and participating communities.”
He urged the public to support the VIA Program as its success will help protect school children.
The Ashanti Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department, Supt. Kwame Boadi, welcomed the intervention and called for collective responsibility.
“Road safety requires more than enforcement. It requires education, prevention and collaboration among all stakeholders to save lives, especially those of children.”
In Ghana, the programme will be implemented with education and road safety stakeholders including authorities, schools, communities, and local partner Oli Best Road Safety Organization.
TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC has operated in Ghana for over 70 years and currently runs more than 270 service stations nationwide.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boatneg
