Commercial drivers in Kumasi have welcomed the passage of the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, but are calling on authorities to intensify public education and ensure strict and consistent enforcement of the new law.
Parliament passed the Road Traffic Amendment Bill, 2025, in December 2025 to amend the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683).
The amendment introduces new provisions on alcohol concentration limits for drivers, the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles and quadricycles, mandatory safety equipment, and regulations governing commercial drivers.
According to the drivers, the amendments are necessary to improve road safety and bring discipline to the transport sector.
However, they expressed concern that without adequate education and enforcement, the new law could be ignored, as has happened with some previous road traffic regulations.
Mr Eric Duodu, Trustee of the Anloga Junction Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), said executive members of the union were not engaged before the passage of the Bill.
According to him, the lack of prior engagement has left both union leaders and drivers uninformed about key provisions of the new law.
“We had no knowledge of the passage of the new road traffic law. As a result, drivers under our authority have not been given access to the document and remain uninformed about its provisions,” he said.
Mr Duodu expressed concern that introducing such a major amendment without engaging key transport stakeholders could create confusion and enforcement challenges.
He is therefore urging the Ministry of Transport, the National Road Safety Authority, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) to immediately begin stakeholder engagements and a nationwide public education campaign.
He said drivers and passengers must be adequately informed about the new provisions before enforcement begins.
Following a briefing on key aspects of the new law, Mr Duodu expressed support for the amendments, saying transport operators backed policies aimed at reducing road crashes and restoring discipline in the sector.
He, however, stressed the need for strict and consistent enforcement by the relevant authorities to ensure compliance and protect lives.
Other drivers also echoed the call for education, saying they support the law but need clarity to avoid being unfairly sanctioned.
“We support the new law because it will help reduce accidents and bring order on our roads. But the government must educate us and the passengers well before they start arresting people,” one driver said.
Another driver at Anloga Junction said authorities should ensure the law was enforced fairly and organise workshops and public announcements at lorry stations to help drivers and passengers understand the new requirements.
“The authorities should enforce it fairly. We also need workshops and announcements in the lorry stations so that everyone understands the new rules, especially on alcohol limits, minimum driving age, overloading, and the commercial use of tricycles,” he said.
Transport operators say the 2025 amendment is aimed at addressing emerging road safety challenges, including the growing use of commercial motorcycles and tricycles, while also helping to reduce drink-driving incidents.
Stakeholders are expected to begin preparations for the implementation and enforcement of the new provisions in the coming months.
Robbers attack MoMo vendor at Walewale in broad daylight, bolt with cash and motorbike
