TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC has launched the VIA Safe Mobility Education Programme in Ghana, a global initiative aimed at promoting road safety awareness among young people, particularly schoolchildren.
The programme, introduced in Kumasi, is part of the company’s broader commitment to safety as a core value that extends beyond its business operations into the communities it serves.
It focuses on equipping children under the age of 18 with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate roads safely.
Developed by the TotalEnergies Foundation in partnership with the Michelin Corporate Foundation, the VIA programme was established in 2019 to address increasing risks faced by children on their daily journeys to and from school. Since its inception, it has reached more than one million young people across 45 countries and over 2,000 schools worldwide.
Speaking at the launch, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Superintendent Kwame Boadi, called for a collective national effort to improve road safety.
He stressed that enforcement alone is not sufficient, underscoring the need for stronger education, preventive measures, and collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard lives especially those of children.
Delivering the keynote address as Guest of Honour, Kwasohene Nana Osei Fosu described the initiative as a significant step toward improving road safety in Ghana.
He highlighted the importance of youth education and behavioural change, noting that the programme’s success will depend on the dedication of VIA ambassadors, teachers, and participating communities.
He also commended the TotalEnergies Foundation, TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC, and the Oli Best Road Safety Organization for introducing and implementing the programme in Ghana.
Representing the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC, Kumasi Area Manager Ernest Butias reaffirmed the company’s commitment to safety, stating that it extends beyond operational activities to include the protection of children on the country’s roads.
The VIA programme adopts a participatory approach by placing students at the centre of road safety education. Selected pupils are trained as VIA ambassadors, empowering them to identify risks around their schools, promote safe behaviours, and lead awareness campaigns within their communities.
In Ghana, the initiative will be implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders, including educational authorities, schools, local communities, and the Oli Best Road Safety Organization.
Mr. Butias noted that the programme marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to fostering safer road habits and environments for children. He called on parents, teachers, drivers, institutions, and communities to work together to ensure that every child can travel to and from school safely.
TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company operating in about 120 countries, has maintained a presence in Ghana for over 70 years through its affiliate, TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC. The company operates more than 270 service stations nationwide and continues to play a leading role in the country’s oil and gas industry while advancing sustainability and community-focused initiatives.
