Only 10% of Ghanaian drivers are trained — GNADS reveals

The Chairman of the Ghana National Association of Driving Schools (GNADS), Emmanuel Danso, has expressed deep concern over the low levels of formal driver training in Ghana, revealing that only 10% of drivers learn to drive through accredited schools.

Speaking on Friday, December 12, he described this figure as “staggering” and warned that it is a major factor behind the rising number of preventable road crashes nationwide.

“Driving is like a profession, and there are certain dynamics you should understand,” he said, emphasising that most drivers acquire their skills informally, without the proper instruction needed to ensure road safety.

Mr. Danso noted that Ghana’s road crashes are largely predictable and preventable, but high fatalities persist because many drivers lack the knowledge and discipline that structured training provides.

He stressed that without intensified training efforts, the problem will continue.

He praised the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) for its roadmap for responsible licensing, adding that it is now up to training institutions and drivers to follow these standards.

“DVLA is doing well, but it is left for us to align with them and do training holistically,” he said.

Mr. Danso expressed confidence that a national commitment to proper driver education could dramatically reduce accidents.

“If we do it in two to five years, we can bring accidents down from four digits to three digits,” he projected.

Calling the surge in road crashes a “canker,” he urged all stakeholders, including drivers, regulators, and the public, to work together to tackle the problem.

“Let us all come together and fight this cancer. It is possible,” he said.