Transaid is spearheading a groundbreaking HGV driver training project in Ghana, projected to last two and a half years.
- This initiative follows Transaid’s successful three-year involvement in developing Ghana’s HGV training standards.
- The project’s launch is set for 1 August in the Ashanti region, enhancing driver training as HGV traffic increases.
- Key collaborations include Ghana’s DVLA and HGV driver associations to ensure consistent training across the country.
- The new standards align with ECOWAS’s efforts for regional harmonisation of driver training.
International development organisation, Transaid, is embarking on a transformative project to standardise HGV driver training across Ghana. The initiative, supported by Puma Energy Foundation funding, aims to establish a comprehensive driver training framework over two and a half years. This project stems from Transaid’s extensive experience in Ghana, where they have been refining driver training standards over the past three years.
Commencing on 1 August, the project takes root in Ghana’s Ashanti region, strategically positioned 300km north of Accra, where a surge in HGV traffic is anticipated with the upcoming inland container depot. This effort will address the growing need for trained drivers as the region prepares for heightened logistical activities.
A significant component of this initiative involves collaboration with Ghana’s Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA). By training examiners, Transaid aims to foster a uniform approach to HGV driver assessments nationwide, thereby promoting consistency and safety on the roads. Furthermore, partnerships with HGV driver associations will expand access to training, facilitated by new short courses crafted from the established standards.
Transaid’s efforts also extend to a broader dialogue across the ECOWAS region. The focus is on harmonising HGV driver training standards as part of the ECOWAS Regional Road Safety Action Plan. This regional cooperation underscores a commitment to improved road safety and operational efficiency across West Africa.
The project has already seen substantial groundwork, with the development of 18 theory and five practical modules tailored to Ghana’s context. Over 2,000 drivers have benefited from these modules, crafted with contributions from stakeholders and experts spanning France, Tanzania, Uganda, and the UK. This collaborative approach highlights the international scope and expertise involved in driving this initiative forward.
Transaid’s project marks a significant step towards improving HGV driver training, contributing to regional road safety and economic development.
