The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has expressed dissatisfaction over Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent proposal to extend the validity of driver’s licenses from two to ten years, citing a lack of stakeholder consultation. They say there are other pressing issues which would have come up had the Vice President consulted them.
Dr. Bawumia, during his campaign tour in Akwatia, Eastern Region, labeled the current biennial renewal system as inconvenient for drivers. However, Samuel Amoah, a member of the GPRTU’s national communications team, said the union was neither consulted nor informed about the specifics of this initiative.
Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s Frontline, Mr. Amoah emphasized the importance of engaging relevant stakeholders before introducing such policies. “We have no challenge over this pledge. However, it was our expectation that we would have been consulted. They should invite the leadership of the various transport unions and explain the details to us,” he stated.
Amoah further pointed out that the primary concerns for drivers revolve around the high costs and penalties associated with license renewals and roadworthy certificates, rather than the renewal frequency itself. He criticized the tendency of political leaders to roll out policies without adequate stakeholder engagement, saying, “This is one major problem we have with our political leaders. They introduce policies without consultation or even engaging those who would be affected by them.”
The GPRTU has expressed its readiness to engage with the Vice President to discuss the proposal in detail and to submit their recommendations. They also reiterated long-standing issues such as high fuel taxes and punitive penalties on renewals, urging the government to address these pressing matters before introducing new policies.
