A mandatory refresher training in driving and road safety for commercial drivers will soon be introduced by the government as part of measures to curb increasing road traffic accidents on the nation’s roads and highways.
The new programme will be implemented by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in collaboration with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA).
Commercial drivers would be required to undertake the mandatory training prior to the renewal of their driving license.
The introduction of the programme is premised on Regulations 33 and 125 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180) which enjoins commercial vehicle drivers to attend a mandatory refresher course in driving and road safety prior to the renewal of their driving licenses.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Kweku Ofori Asiamah, announced these policy measures at the launch of Ehyen Transport Service, held at the University of Professional Studies on Wednesday, June 16, 2021.
Additionally, the government, he said would also implement the installation of speed limiters and tachographs on commercial vehicles with gross weight of 3.5 metric tons and above as prescribed in Regulation 135 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, L.I. 2180.
Meanwhile, the government, will also intensify the enforcement of regulations on travel speeds, wearing of seatbelts and crash helmets, Pedestrian Jay-walking among others.
Mr Asiamah, told journalists moments after the event that the policy directives and measures were spurred by the rising traffic fatalities and injuries in the country and “are meant to reverse the trend of road traffic fatalities”, urging road users to change their behaviors.
“It is common knowledge that the act of indiscipline and reckless attitude of some road users are the contributory factors to traffic fatalities and injuries on our roads.”
“We cannot achieve much if we do not change our behavior on the road.We all, as road users, especially drivers and pedestrians, must exhibit discipline and responsibility whilst driving, walking or crossing the road.”
“Let us work together to compliment the government’s efforts at ensuring safety on our roads”.
Mr Asiamah lauded the Ehyen initiative and assured them of the government’s support to sustain the initiative “so that the benefits are not eroded”.
About EhyenEhyen, is a wholly owned Ghanaian initiative which offers opportunities for both drivers and users in the form of increased choices and lower costs of transport.
It comes with a lot of bonuses, commissions and benefits for its customers and drivers.
It has insurance cover for the drivers on the Ehyen platform while drivers on the platform only pays 10 percent as commission, by far the lowest in the market.
Ehyen also offer rental services which includes luxurious vehicles, trucks and buses.
A total of 200 vehicles have been made available to drivers with the initiators of the technological drive saying it would be scaled up to 500 vehiclesnby end of the year. The initiative offers employment to over 500 Ghanaians.
Let’s work to make Ehyen, Ghana’s number one ride hailing transport service”, he said.
The Transport Minister personally promised to add five fleets of the vehicles to their fleets.
The Managing Director of Ehyen Transport Service, Clenard Bawa Adayina, said their entry into the Ghanaian market is not just to add up to the numbers in the transport sector but to make a vast difference with their services.
“Ehyen has done a lot of research and has delved into the problems that are associated with ride hailing services and we have worked with knowledgeable experts to ensure the security, comfortability and safety of drivers and customers.
