Ga Mantse urges DVLA to clamp down on unlicensed drivers

The Ga Mantse, Nii Teiko Tsuru II, has urged the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to step up efforts to curb the rising menace of unlicensed drivers on Ghana’s roads.

Speaking during a courtesy visit from the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the DVLA, Julius Neequaye Kotey, and a delegation from the authority, the Ga Mantse expressed concern over reckless driving and the ease with which untrained individuals acquire licences.

He noted that many unqualified drivers gain experience informally by working as assistants to commercial drivers (trotro mates) before obtaining licences without proper training. He called on the DVLA to ensure stricter enforcement of licensing regulations to prevent such practices.

The Ga Mantse emphasised that driving is a serious responsibility involving the protection of lives and urged the DVLA to ensure that only trained and competent individuals are allowed to drive.

Speaking to the media, Mr Kotey assured the public that the DVLA would take the Ga Mantse’s concerns seriously, reaffirming the authority’s commitment to strictly enforcing road safety regulations. 

He stressed that safety measures should not only apply to new drivers but also to those already on the roads.

He reiterated the DVLA’s commitment to making Ghana’s roads safer through new initiatives and enhanced driver training. He acknowledged that the current state of driving on Ghana’s roads is concerning, and assured that corrective measures would be taken to address the issue.

“Our roads need to be safe. It is not only new drivers who need training; those already on the roads must also undergo training. If you look at how we drive, it is not the best. I have the mandate to make our roads safer, so this is the right call,” he stated.