The Minister for Transport, Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, has inaugurated the Governing Boards of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to reaffirm the government’s commitment to enhancing safety and efficiency in Ghana’s road transport sector.
During the inauguration, the Minister highlighted the Authority’s vital role in ensuring public safety, vehicle roadworthiness, and driver competence. He emphasised the DVLA’s expanded mandate under Act 569 of 1999, which now includes safe driving standards and adaptation to emerging trends such as electric and autonomous vehicles.
“The new Board is tasked with modernizing operations, embracing technological innovation, and aligning with global best practices,” Mr. Nikpe stated. He pointed to the successful 24-hour services at the Adenta Office as a model for nationwide replication in support of the government’s 24-Hour Economy policy.
Simultaneously, the Minister inaugurated the reconstituted NRSA Governing Board, issuing a clear mandate to urgently address the rising incidence of road crashes and fatalities. He expressed grave concern over the economic benefits being eroded by increasing accidents, often attributed to driver indiscipline.
“The provisional figures for the first half of the year are very alarming,” he noted, urging the new Board to strategically position the Authority financially and technically to tackle this crisis effectively. He gave emphasis to consistent investment in road safety, supported by NRSA’s enhanced powers under Act 993 of 2019 and L.I. 2468, which can yield long-term benefits.
Mr. Nikpe encouraged the Board to provide strong leadership and promote innovative, results-driven strategies to significantly reduce accidents and fatalities.
In both inaugurations, the Minister cautioned the Boards against overstepping their mandates or interfering with day-to-day management, reinforcing the governance framework that places both Boards under the direct supervision of the Ministry of Transport.
Mr. Quaye expressed gratitude for the trust placed in the Board, pledging unwavering dedication to collaboration, fostering innovation, enhancing transparency, and delivering improved public service.
The newly inaugurated DVLA Board, chaired by Mr. George Spencer Quaye, includes Mr. Eric Tetteh-Addison, Mr. Abraham Amaliba (ESQ), Ms. Mary Affanyi, Colonel Faustina Dennison, Mr. Robinson Kwasi Martey, Mr. Kwassem M. Odaymat, Mr. Godfred Adogma Ablbire, Dr. Abiba Zakariah, Mr. Ali Wahab, Ms. Theresa Potakey, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, and Mr. Emmanuel Kofi Netkuni.
The NRSA Board, chaired by Mr. Chemah Joshua Yaadang, includes Mr. Abraham Amaliba (ESQ), Mr. Derick Amaning Kwarteng, Ing. Francis Dormenyo Ahlidza, Mrs. Mavis Asare Donkor, Mrs. Nana Abuaa Brenya-Okyere, Mr. Peter Baba Atiniak, Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, Ms. Freda Ekua Faah, Mrs. Naa Shormeh Gyang, Ing. Stephen Adu, Mr. Oliver Akubia, and Mr. George Sarpong.