Ghanaians have serious problems

Traffic with pedestrians, bikes, cars, trucks, and buses is essential for a vibrant economy, and with it society. It must be carbon neutral at best and at better safe for all using it. Rules and regulations are key factors for a smooth ride while law enforcement is the basis for making it happen.

Getting a driving license in Ghana is a joke ride. Either a money matter or at the hands of poor driving instructions a child's play. Neither in the theoretical nor practical lessons, does it come anywhere near the German standard. Germany is a high-speed country as on most Autobahnen we have no speed limit yet the mortality rate has decreased over the years. Strict rules and the enforcement of them by special police forces on the Autobahn make this possible. Inside cities and towns, cameras are installed to limit overspending by mostly young drivers or people intending to show off their fast cars. A point system ensures that the driving license can be canceled when a certain amount of points for offenses are handed down to the driver. An ample warning is given to be aware of the potential loss of the driver's license and in certain cases, a psychological test must be passed to keep the license.

To pass the test in the first place these days up to 50% of the candidates fail. Besides knowing road signs environmental aspects are part of the test and knowing the specifics of a car. Like myself, I took four tests before passing back in the 1980s. I have my driving license ever since.

Unlike other countries in Germany, we keep our driver's license for life unless taken away by force due to the many points collected. Countries with regularly renewable of licenses have a laid-back approach like in New Zealand, the USA, or Ghana.

Every two years in Germany cars must pass an MOT test and exhaust certificate to protect the environment.

In Ghana, the renewal of driver's licenses is a money-making machine for the state. This moment is not used to look into the performance of the driver or the roadworthiness of the vehicle. Money speaks sweetly in the most critical and normal cases. By Ghana law back windows are not supposed to be darkened by plastic foil but...yes, no such windows get smashed by police or at least sanctioned; no one cares!

Instead of changing the traffic system, training and testing, and enforcing the law NPP Flagbearer Dr. Bawumia suggests to voters that driving licenses should have to be renewed every 6 or 8 years instead of the present regime of every 2 years. This cheap propaganda will fall on open ears and not avoid any traffic problems. Who did this to Ghanaians? Sense has left Ghana with its migrants!