Accra: Dr. Justice Morkporkpor Amegashie, a former Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA), has urged driver training schools to incorporate information technology and apps into their training programs to enhance driver competence.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr. Amegashie highlighted the importance of equipping current and future drivers with the necessary skills to effectively operate in a technologically advancing environment, especially with the rise of ride-hailing apps. He emphasized the need to integrate information technology and apps in training and information dissemination to build upon the knowledge and skills of existing and future drivers.
Dr. Amegashie made these remarks while swearing in the newly elected executives of the Ghana National Association of Driving Schools (GHANA DRIVE) in Accra. The six-member executive team is expected to lead the association for the next four years. He commended GHANA DRIVE for its contributions to road safety, noting the crucial role of driver training schools in reducing road crashes and associated fatalities and injuries.
With a 14 percent annual increase in motor vehicle population in the country, Dr. Amegashie pointed out that driver training schools are more important than ever. Research indicates that a 10 percent annual increase in vehicles could lead to increased road crashes and consequences. He urged the schools to seize opportunities to provide better training to drivers, emphasizing their potential to contribute significantly to road safety.
He also urged the new executives to standardize the driver training curriculum to ensure comprehensive instruction on traffic laws, regulations, and road safety. Chief Superintendent Alexander Obeng, Director of Research and Education at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), also stressed the importance of including digital skills in driver training, especially as Ghana prepares to automate traffic offences to promote compliance.
Reverend Erasmus Amankwah, the immediate past President of GHANA DRIVE, noted the past administration's successes, including expanding membership from 25 to over 400 and creating employment for more than 1,000 people. He encouraged the new executives to build on these achievements.
Mr. Francis Yao Agbozo, the new President of GHANA DRIVE, pledged to continue projects initiated by past executives and introduce new ones to improve the association's fortunes. His priorities include developing a strategic plan, constructing a permanent secretariat, and revising the association's constitution to reflect current developments in the sector. He also aims to make the association more viable and attractive, increasing its income generation potential.
Mr. Emmanuel Klugah, Deputy Director at the DTTL of the DVLA, assured the new executives of the DVLA's support and urged them to ensure compliance with the Authority's registration process.
