Samuel Amoah, the National Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has expressed cautious support for Alhaji Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s proposal to extend the driver’s license renewal period from two years to eight years or more.
While Amoah acknowledges the potential cost benefits of the policy, he has called for a detailed explanation of its implementation.
Existing legislation directs that the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) is mandated to ensure that all driver’s license holders must renew or validate their licenses every two (2) years from the date of issue of the license.
However, the NPP flagbearer believes that the current legislation is an inconvenience for drivers and must be extended to bring relief.
Thus, the Vice President, Dr. Bawumia, has been advocating for this change in recent campaign speeches.
Describing the pledge as “another bait to just win the votes of drivers because he has in times past exhibited glaring lack of concern”, the Transport Operators of Ghana have taken a swipe at Dr Mahamudu Bawumia over his claim to extend the renewal of driver’s licences from two years to 10 years.
Speaking at the back of this on Trust FM’s Agoo Ghana show, Samuel Amoah raised several concerns; questioning whether drivers would face additional fees proportional to the extended renewal period or if the renewal cost would remain unchanged.
He also inquired about the policy’s impact on the assessment of drivers’ eye and physical health, which is currently checked every two years.
Mr Amoah wondered if such assessments would be neglected under the new policy.
Further, he asked whether the extension would affect the validity periods of related certifications, such as roadworthy and insurance certificates. He emphasized that while the policy could be beneficial if well-implemented, it could be problematic if it leads to higher costs for drivers.
Amoah concluded that while the policy has merit, it requires more detailed clarification to ensure public understanding and acceptance.
Source: www.trustfmonline.com/Trust 98.3FM
