Kumasi commercial drivers back road traffic law but demand public education

Commercial drivers in Kumasi have welcomed the passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, but are urging authorities to prioritize public education and enforce the new law strictly. The 2025 amendment, which passed Parliament in December 2025, introduced provisions covering alcohol concentration limits, commercial use of various motor vehicles, safety equipment standards, and regulations for commercial drivers.

Commercial drivers, while supportive of the amendments, expressed concerns that without proper public education and enforcement, the law risks being disregarded, similar to previous road traffic regulations. Eric Duodu, Trustee of the Anloga Junction Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, stated that the drivers under his authority were not informed about the new law due to a lack of prior engagement.

He urged the Ministry of Transport, National Road Safety Authority, MTTD of the Ghana Police Service, and NCCE to initiate stakeholder engagements and a nationwide public education campaign before enforcement begins. Drivers echoed the call for education, emphasizing the need for clarity to avoid unfair sanctions. They support the law's potential to reduce accidents and bring order on roads but stressed the importance of fair enforcement, including workshops and announcements in lorry stations to ensure everyone understands the new rules, particularly regarding alcohol limits, minimum driving age, overloading, and commercial use of tricycles.

Transport operators believe the 2025 amendment addresses emerging road safety challenges, such as the rise of commercial motorbikes and tricycles, and aims to curb drink-driving incidents. Implementation of the new provisions is expected to commence in the coming months.