Ada west: Mr. Mordjifa Tanihu Jerry John Foreigner Mills-Nkrumah, the Ada West District Chief Executive (DCE), has proposed the inclusion of driving studies in the educational curriculum from primary school through university. He believes this initiative would foster responsible and safety-conscious drivers from an early age, equipping future motorists with essential knowledge and skills for safe vehicle operation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Mills-Nkrumah emphasized the complexity of driving, describing it as a specialized activity requiring the coordinated use of the brain, eyes, ears, hands, and legs. He stated, "It is the only activity in which your brain, eyes, ears, hands, legs, and almost every part of your body work together at the same time." He argued for the inclusion of driving studies up to the university level.
The DCE's remarks followed a tragic road accident in Sege, Ada West District, which resulted in six fatalities and several injuries. Mr. Mills-Nkrumah highlighted the need for treating driving as a professional skill, insisting that drivers must possess the necessary knowledge, mental alertness, and sound judgment.
Concerns were also raised about drivers who continue operating vehicles despite fatigue, risking falling asleep at the wheel. Mr. Mills-Nkrumah warned against overworking and the alleged use of drugs by drivers to extend working hours, citing potential negative impacts on memory, well-being, judgment, and overall efficiency, which could increase the risk of accidents.
He urged drivers to respect the profession and recognize the responsibility of ensuring the safety of passengers and other road users. "Driving is very complicated work and must not be taken as a joke," he stated.
Mr. Mills-Nkrumah also mentioned that the assembly had pinpointed sections of the Tema-Aflao Highway around Sege as needing speed ramps to control speeding. These areas, including the site of the recent fatal accident, are considered accident-prone. The assembly has sought approval from the Ghana Highways Authority to install speed ramps, hoping that this measure, along with responsible driving and enhanced driver education, will reduce speeding and road accidents in the Sege area.
He concluded by calling on drivers and road users to exercise caution and adhere to road safety regulations to prevent avoidable fatalities.