Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony held at the Ghana Technical and Vocational Education and Training Service (GTVET) Head Office in Accra, Instructor Marshall K.M. Bobobee, the newly-elected President of ACDIG, called on all stakeholders in the driving industry to foster a culture of responsible driving.
He emphasised that such efforts would protect lives, reduce road accidents, and contribute to national safety and well-being.
“Our mission goes beyond merely training drivers. We are committed to road safety and the development of the driving industry,” Instructor Bobobee stated.
He assured that the new leadership would align their work with national development goals by collaborating with government agencies, improving industry standards, and advocating for stronger road safety policies.
“We are also committed to enhancing the role of our industry in the national economy. By focusing on proper training and expanding our reach, we can create sustainable jobs, support families, and contribute to economic growth,” he added.
Instructor Bobobee urged the government to continue its partnership with the association to prioritise road safety on the national agenda.
He also appealed for necessary reforms and investments in the industry to create job opportunities for the youth, enhance training programmes, and equip instructors to provide top-tier driving education.
Meanwhile, Mr. Kafui Semevo, Director of Driving Testing and Licensing (DTTL) at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), provided a historical perspective on ACDIG’s establishment.
He noted that prior to 2003, driving schools in Ghana operated without regulation, leading to the introduction of instructor training and certification.
He highlighted the shortage of certified driving instructors, revealing that Ghana currently has just over 800 instructors nationwide, which is inadequate for the number of registered driving schools.
“We need to collaborate with technical universities to train more people to take up the role of driving instructors. This will help address the instructor shortage and create employment for many young people in the country,” Mr Semevo stressed.
He also encouraged ACDIG to transition from an association into an institute to further professionalize the industry.
Director for Planning and Programmes at the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Mr Martin Afram, underscored the urgency of improving road safety, citing Ghana’s high road traffic fatalities.
“Currently, we record not less than six deaths daily due to road crashes. These deaths are preventable, as over 90 per cent result from human errors,” he noted.
Mr Afram emphasized that driving instructors play a crucial role in shaping driver behaviour and ensuring compliance with road safety measures.
He reaffirmed NRSA’s commitment to partnering with ACDIG to achieve Ghana’s target of reducing road crash fatalities to less than 1,000 by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Public Affairs Director at the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Chief Superintendent Alexander Kwaku Obeng also stressed the importance of road safety education, urging ACDIG to organize capacity-building workshops and annual conferences to equip drivers with essential safety knowledge.
With road crashes largely attributed to behavioural issues, the newly inaugurated ACDIG executives have been tasked with championing responsible driving, advocating for policy reforms, and enhancing training standards to create a safer road environment in Ghana.
GNA
