The escalating crisis of road crashes in Ghana demands immediate and decisive action, and a leading voice advocating for a transformative shift is Kofi Asante, Transport Systems Expert. In a recent address, Mr. Asante has passionately urged the government to implement a mandatory three-year driving training program for prospective drivers, a measure he believes is crucial to significantly reduce the nation’s perilous road fatality rate. His call comes amidst a stark reality: Ghana has recorded approximately 14,000 road crashes in 2025, resulting in a staggering 2,949 deaths and injuries to approximately 16,700 individuals – a figure significantly higher than the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana, which saw a substantially larger expenditure on pandemic-related measures.
Mr. Asante points to a series of loopholes within the current regulatory framework that actively undermine efforts to improve road safety. He highlights that the existing regulations often lack sufficient requirements for drivers to be adequately prepared for the complexities of driving, particularly in emergency situations. He cited statistics demonstrating a concerning trend – the number of road crashes in 2025 exceeded the number of lives lost to COVID-19, signaling a critical juncture where proactive measures are paramount.
His proposed mandatory training program, he argues, would provide a foundational level of knowledge and skill, equipping drivers with a deeper understanding of vehicle operation, hazard identification, and traffic law enforcement. Specifically, he advocates for a minimum of three years of formal training, acknowledging the current situation where many drivers receive licenses without sufficient training. He emphasized that this lack of formal education contributes to drivers’ limited preparedness during emergencies and hinders their comprehension of traffic regulations.
Prior to 2017, the government implemented a ‘toll levy’ scheme to facilitate the removal of broken-down vehicles from roadways, a proposal that, according to Mr. Asante, was met with considerable public opposition. Despite the initial attempt to mitigate accidents caused by vehicles left on the roads, the scheme ultimately failed to achieve its intended goal.
Speaking to Adom Online on Nnnawotwe Yi, Mr. Asante stressed the need for legislation to mandate formal driving training for prospective drivers. He asserted that the current system, which allows for a significant number of drivers to obtain licenses without adequate training, represents a substantial risk to public safety. He suggested that many drivers, without sufficient formal instruction, are ill-equipped to handle emergencies effectively and lack a thorough understanding of traffic laws.
’From where I stand, I will suggest if the nation is serious and wants to fight road accidents, drivers should be made to go to school for not less than three years,’ he stated, emphasizing the potential of a comprehensive training program to drastically reduce accidents. He further highlighted the need for enhanced enforcement of traffic laws and a greater focus on driver education, stressing that simply addressing the symptoms is insufficient.
The government’s recent focus on pandemic-related efforts, while undeniably crucial, has created a significant financial imbalance, with a considerable proportion of resources allocated to mitigating the immediate crisis. This disparity raises concerns about the prioritization of road safety – a fundamental responsibility that demands equal attention and investment.
Experts agree that while the government’s efforts to address road safety are vital, this initiative represents a proactive and vital step in the right direction. The long-term success of this program will depend on the government’s commitment to implementing robust enforcement mechanisms and fostering a culture of responsible driving behavior, alongside a continued commitment to investing in driver education and training programs. Further research and analysis are needed to fully assess the potential impact of this proposed policy on road safety in Ghana.”
Watch Related Video
Source: Adom Online
