Transport Minister Mr. Joseph Bukari Nikpe has charged the newly inaugurated boards of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to prioritise road safety compliance and technological innovation.
Speaking at a joint inauguration ceremony in Accra on Thursday, Mr. Nikpe expressed grave concern over what he described as alarming provisional road crash statistics for the first half of the year, attributing many of the incidents to driver indiscipline and poor enforcement of regulations.
“The data is disturbing. We cannot afford to be reactive. These boards must bring bold, strategic leadership to drive change,” the Minister said.
He reminded the board members that their roles extend beyond advisory capacity and should serve as catalysts for result-oriented and innovative approaches that can stem the tide of road traffic deaths and injuries.
Call for Technological Advancement and Operational Expansion
Mr. Nikpe particularly tasked the DVLA board to embrace modern technology in service delivery and suggested an expansion of the 24-hour service model to more regional offices, to meet the increasing demands of Ghana’s motoring public.
“You must evolve with global trends in transport technology if we want to enhance user experience and efficiency,” he stated.
For the NRSA, the Minister underscored the institution’s expanded mandate under Act 993 and L.I. 2468, which now empowers it to go beyond education and awareness into enforcement and compliance monitoring.
“This is no longer just about campaigns. You are now enforcers of road safety protocols. Let your leadership reflect that responsibility,” he urged.
Board Composition and Mandate
The DVLA Board, chaired by Mr. George Spencer Quaye, includes CEO Mr. Julius Neequaye Kotey, Mr. Abraham Amaliba, Col. Faustina Dennison, Ms. Mary Affanyi, Mr. Robinson Martey, among others.
The NRSA Board is led by Mr. Chemah Joshua Yaadang, with members such as Mrs. Mavis Asare Donkor, Mr. Francis Dormenyo Ahlidza, and Mr. Abraham Amaliba serving dual roles on both boards.
While the Minister pledged continued government support, he also cautioned board members to steer clear of interfering in day-to-day management, reminding them to stay within policy oversight and strategic direction.
A Promise of Accountability and Service Excellence
Responding to the Minister’s charge, the chairpersons of both boards pledged their commitment to accountability, collaboration, and impact.
“We’ll work closely with management to foster innovation, enhance transparency and deliver exemplary service,” said Mr. Quaye of the DVLA.
NRSA Chair Mr. Yaadang added: “We will uphold the highest standards of integrity and steer this Authority toward making Ghana’s roads safer for all.”
The inauguration sets the stage for what many hope will be a decisive shift in Ghana’s road safety landscape, as both institutions prepare to implement aggressive measures to improve compliance, efficiency, and service delivery.
