The Ministry of Transport has inaugurated fresh governing boards for the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), with a firm charge to improve collaboration, innovation, and accountability in Ghana’s transport regulatory landscape.
At the inauguration ceremony held in Accra, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, commended the appointees and conveyed the confidence reposed in them by President John Dramani Mahama.
He described their appointments as a significant national responsibility requiring commitment, integrity, and a forward-thinking approach to policy execution.
Focusing on the NRSA, the Minister highlighted the authority’s expanded mandate under the National Road Safety Authority Act, 2019 (Act 993), and its operational framework under Legislative Instrument 2468.
He noted that the NRSA is now mandated not only to conduct road safety education but also to ensure strict compliance with safety regulations and standards across transport operations.
Mr. Nikpe raised alarm over the increasing spate of road crashes, especially within the first half of the year. He attributed the grim statistics largely to driver misconduct and indiscipline and called for prompt, coordinated interventions.
The Minister urged the new board to offer strategic guidance that would position the NRSA to attract both financial and technical support from domestic and international stakeholders.
He referenced global case studies where consistent investment in road safety infrastructure and behaviour-change campaigns led to significant reductions in fatalities.
The Minister also reminded board members to work within their oversight role, stressing that operational decisions remain the responsibility of the Authority’s management under the Ministry’s supervision.
The newly reconstituted NRSA board is chaired by Chemah Joshua Yaadang, with members including Abraham Amaliba (ESQ), Derick Amaning Kwarteng, Ing. Francis Dormenyo Ahlidza, Mavis Asare Donkor, Nana Abuaa Brenya-Okyere, Peter Baba Atiniak, Julius Neequaye Kotey, Freda Ekua Faah, Naa Shormeh Gyang, Ing. Stephen Adu, Oliver Akubia and George Sarpong.
Turning to the DVLA, the Minister traced the agency’s transformation from a unit under the Ghana Police Service to an autonomous regulatory body established by Act 569 of 1999.
He emphasised the Authority’s core mandate to ensure that vehicles plying Ghana’s roads are roadworthy and that drivers meet set standards of competence.
He urged the newly constituted board to lead efforts in adapting to new developments in global transport, especially the growing adoption of electric and autonomous vehicles.
He also tasked them to support management in aligning DVLA operations with the government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, referencing the Adenta office’s successful implementation of round-the-clock service.
The Minister, however, cautioned against any attempt by board members to overstep their governance role, clarifying that the board must report to the Ministry and not interfere with administrative decisions.
George Spencer Quaye chairs the new DVLA Board, which includes Eric Tetteh-Addison, Abraham Amaliba (ESQ), Mary Affanyi, Colonel Faustina Dennison, Robinson Kwasi Martey, Kwassem M. Odaymat, Godfred Adogma Abilbire, Abiba Zakariah, Ali Wahab, Theresa Potakey, Julius Neequaye Kotey and Emmanuel Kofi Netkuni.
Chairmen of both boards pledged to work diligently to fulfil their mandates and contribute meaningfully to the realization of President Mahama’s vision for a modern, safe, and efficient transport sector.
