The Ghana National Association of Driving Schools (GNADS) is urgently advocating for mandatory driver training and the stringent enforcement of road safety regulations to address the alarming increase in road accidents and fatalities across Ghana. This call follows recent concerns voiced by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), which identified human error as the primary cause of the nation’s road crash statistics during a media briefing on April 7, 2026.
Context of Growing Road Safety Concerns
Ghana has been grappling with a persistent issue of road accidents, which have significant social and economic consequences. The NRSA’s findings underscore a critical need to re-evaluate current driver education and licensing processes. The association highlights that the human factor, encompassing driver behavior, judgment, and adherence to rules, is disproportionately responsible for these tragic incidents.
Mandatory Training and Legislative Framework
Ali Wahab, General Secretary of GNADS, emphasized the necessity of enhancing driver education during a recent visit to the National Chief Imam. He stated that the current level of road safety has incurred substantial costs for the nation, and intensified driver education is crucial to alter this narrative. “If we don’t do our best, the carnage on the roads will never stop,” Wahab warned, stressing the urgency of the situation.
Wahab also pointed to Legislative Instrument 2180 (LI 2180), which mandates refresher training courses for motorists renewing their driver’s licenses. The law also allows for mandatory retraining if a court deems it necessary during a driver’s period of licensing. However, GNADS questions the effectiveness of these provisions in practice.
“The LI 21(80) also states that when you want to renew your licence, you still have to go for a refresher course,” Wahab explained. “If the court finds during the course of your driving that you need training, the law also allows you to go back for training. But how effective is this happening?” he questioned, calling for government and Ministry of Transport intervention to ensure these laws are actively implemented.
The Role of Certified Driving Schools
Emmanuel Anobah, National Administrator of GNADS, stressed the importance of professional driver education provided by certified driving schools, accredited by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). He asserted that every prospective driver must receive proper training to navigate the complexities of road conditions safely.
Anobah elaborated that certified schools equip drivers with essential skills such as defensive driving techniques, discipline, and practical decision-making. These skills are vital for anticipating and reacting to unpredictable situations on Ghanaian roads. “On the road, there are a lot of factors. You need human judgment to tell that someone behind you is speeding, and perhaps something is wrong with them. If you are defensive enough, you allow the person to pass,” he illustrated.
Support and Broader Implications
The call for improved driver education received support from the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Dr Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, who backed the association’s plea for enhanced road discipline and training. He offered prayers for the association’s efforts and called for national unity in promoting road safety.
GNADS firmly believes that a combination of robust driver education, compulsory refresher courses during license renewals, and stricter enforcement of existing road safety regulations can significantly reduce accident rates and improve overall road safety across the country. The association’s push signifies a growing consensus among road safety stakeholders that proactive measures in driver training are essential to curb the ongoing crisis.
Looking Ahead
The focus now shifts to the government and the Ministry of Transport to act on GNADS’s recommendations. Stakeholders will be watching to see if legislative instruments are effectively implemented and if certified driving schools will play a more central role in the licensing process. The potential impact on reducing road fatalities and improving the safety of all road users hinges on these developments.
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