Dr. Bawumia proposes extending driver’s license validity to 10 years, citing difficulties with current system
Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has proposed a significant change to Ghana’s driver’s licensing system, advocating for an extension of the license validity period to up to 10 years.
This proposal comes as part of his broader campaign platform, aimed at streamlining government services and reducing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles for Ghanaians.
Currently, drivers in Ghana are required by law to renew their licenses every two years, a process that many find inconvenient and time-consuming. Dr. Bawumia, speaking to a crowd during his campaign tour in Akwatia, Eastern Region, expressed his dissatisfaction with the current system, emphasizing the need for a more driver-friendly approach.
“We are all drivers, and our licenses expire every two years. Is that not the case? Unless you go to the DVLA to renew it, why?” Dr. Bawumia questioned the crowd, highlighting a common frustration shared by many drivers across the country.
He went on to argue that the existing system is outdated and burdensome, particularly for those who find it difficult to take time off work or travel long distances to renew their licenses. “We are saying, let’s extend it—eight years, ten years. Let’s make sure we can have the driver’s license without having to go renew it every year; it doesn’t make sense,” he stated, receiving applause from the audience.
Dr. Bawumia’s proposal is part of a broader agenda to modernize public services and reduce red tape. He believes that by extending the validity period of driver’s licenses, the government can not only improve the efficiency of the licensing process but also alleviate the stress and inconvenience experienced by drivers.
The Vice President also touched on the need for a more efficient system at the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), suggesting that such reforms could make the institution more responsive to the needs of the public. He indicated that the NPP, under his leadership, would prioritize reforms that simplify processes for ordinary Ghanaians, ensuring that government services are more accessible and user-friendly.
