TotalEnergies Launches VIA Road Safety Programme
TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC has launched the VIA Safe Mobility Education Programme, a global initiative aimed at promoting road safety among young people, particularly schoolchildren, across the country.
The programme forms part of the company’s commitment to safety as a core value that extends beyond its business operations into the communities it serves.
The VIA Safe Mobility Education Programme, which targets young people under 18 years, was developed by the TotalEnergies Foundation in partnership with the Michelin Corporate Foundation to address the growing risks children face in their daily journeys to and from school.
Since its inception in 2019, the initiative has reached over one million young people worldwide and is currently being implemented in 45 countries across more than 2,000 schools.
Speaking at the launch, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Supt. Kwame Boadi, called for collective efforts to improve road safety in the country.
He stressed that road safety goes beyond enforcement, urging increased education, prevention and collaboration among stakeholders to safeguard lives, particularly those of children.
Delivering the keynote address, the Kwaso Hene, Nana Osei Fosu, described the introduction of the programme in Ghana as a major step towards ensuring safer roads and protecting young lives.
He noted that the success of the initiative would depend largely on the commitment of VIA ambassadors, teachers and participating communities.
Nana Osei Fosu commended the TotalEnergies Foundation for championing safe mobility for young people and lauded TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC and Oli Best Road Safety Organization for implementing the programme in Ghana.
On behalf of the Managing Director of TotalEnergies Marketing Ghana PLC, the Kumasi Area Manager, Mr. Ernest Butias, reiterated that safety remains a core value of the company and extends beyond its operations to protecting children on Ghana’s roads.
The VIA Programme adopts a participatory approach that places young people at the centre of road safety education. Selected students are trained as VIA ambassadors to identify risks around their schools, promote safe behaviour and lead awareness creation within their communities.
In Ghana, the programme will be implemented in collaboration with key stakeholders, including schools, communities, relevant authorities and the Oli Best Road Safety Organization as the local implementing partner.
Mr. Butias emphasised that the initiative marks the beginning of a long-term commitment to promoting safer habits, safer environments and safer futures for children.
He further called on parents, teachers, drivers, institutions and communities to work together to ensure that every child travels to and from school safely.
