The Ghana National Association of Driving Schools (GHANADRIVE) has called on the Driver and Vehicle Licencing Authority (DVLA) and other agencies to fully implement mandatory driver training under Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519. This move aims to strengthen driver competence and improve road safety. Alhaji Ali Wahab, General Secretary of GHANADRIVE, made the call at a news conference in Accra, emphasizing the need for improved driver training and road infrastructure to reduce road crashes.
Ghana has recorded over 9,000 road crashes between January and August 2026, resulting in more than 1,900 deaths, according to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD). GHANADRIVE attributes these crashes to gaps in driver training and poor road infrastructure. The Association is pushing for the enforcement of L.I. 2519, which includes provisions for mandatory driver training, to address these issues.
Alhaji Wahab highlighted three key provisions of L.I. 2519 that require immediate implementation. These include Regulation 39(1), which mandates at least 48 hours of basic driver training for learner's licence applicants, certified by a recognized driver training institution. Additionally, Regulation 44(3e) requires drivers upgrading to a higher licence class to provide proof of attendance at an upgrading programme organized by a certified driver training institution.
The third provision, Regulation 46(7B), requires drivers seeking licence renewal to provide evidence of attending a refresher training programme organized by a registered and certified driver training institution. Alhaji Wahab emphasized that this provision is crucial for addressing gaps among drivers who obtained their licences before the introduction of mandatory formal driver training.
GHANADRIVE also stresses the need for improved road infrastructure, including the repair of deteriorated roads, restoration of road markings and signs, fixing of malfunctioning traffic lights, and provision of functional street lighting. Alhaji Wahab warned that poor visibility at night, particularly on roads without functioning street lights or clear markings, can make it difficult for motorists to identify parked vehicles and other hazards in time.
The General Secretary called for collaboration among stakeholders, including the DVLA, police, National Road Safety Authority, transport unions, and driving schools, to ensure effective implementation of the new requirements. He lauded the incorporation of mandatory driver education into the statutory framework, describing improved driver training as an important measure for reducing road traffic fatalities.
The implementation of L.I. 2519 will also bring commercial motorcycle riders, commonly known as Okada riders, into the formal training system. Mr Emmanuel Danso, the Greater Regional Chairman of GHANADRIVE, expressed the Association's readiness to provide training for Okada riders, pending certification from the DVLA. He emphasized that education and enforcement are crucial to reducing road crashes.
Key points
- Enforcement of L.I. 2519 is expected to improve driver competence and reduce road crashes.
- Ghana recorded over 9,000 road crashes and 1,900 deaths between January and August 2026.
- The new driver training rules will also apply to commercial motorcycle riders, or Okada riders.
