Uber: Driver arrested in connection with the kidnap of 2 Canadians is only assisting investigations

Seth J. Bokpe Jun - 07 - 2019 , 17:32

Uber Ghana says one of its drivers reportedly picked up in Kumasi by the police in connection with last Tuesday’s alleged kidnapping of two Canadian nationals was only assisting the police with their investigations.

According to the company, the said driver, whose name has not been released was just assisting the police in its investigation and has not been arrested as media reports have suggested.

“The unfortunate incident that happened in Kumasi, very unfortunate, anything of that nature is unfortunate,” the Head of Communications for Uber West Africa, Francesca Uriri, told journalists at a press conference in Accra on Friday.

“However, the police have confirmed that the Uber driver in question is not a suspect and his number is available online so this is not a thing that I am saying, you can also do your digging and confirm,” she said.

The two Canadian women were reportedly abducted in Kumasi on Tuesday June 4, 2019 in a crime that is rare in Kumasi.

The Police are on a manhunt for the suspects aged 19 and 20 who were abducted at the Royal Golf Club at the Nhyiaeso suburb of Kumasi.

The two women were working for an aid agency in Kumasi.

According to some eyewitnesses, the two ladies were returning to their hostel when they were forced into a vehicle.

It is however not clear whether the abductors have made contact with the family of the victims or the Canadian Embassy to demand for ransom.

The Canadian government has since issued a travel advisory to its citizens in Ghana urging them to exercise extreme caution while in Ghana.

Speaking at the press conference in Accra, Uber’s General Manager for West Africa, Ms Lola Kassim, said safety was at the heart of all the company does and was always working to build a better experience.

“We think it’s important to collaborate with safety, health and security experts, as well as organizations like Old Mutual to organize workshops that provide driver-partners with relevant and useful safety tips, thereby empowering them to make safer decisions, before, during and after every ride. As safety is a critical pillar to us at Uber, we are striving to ensure that driver-partners have access to information that improves quality and safety while on the road,” she said.