DCOP David Senanu Eklu Calls for National Driver Safety Profile to Transform Road Safety in Ghana

Retired Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) David Senanu Eklu is advocating for a significant overhaul of Ghana’s road safety regulations, proposing the establishment of a comprehensive National Driver Safety Profile (NDSP). Currently, driver management in Ghana focuses primarily on initial qualification and one-time licensing, which experts argue is insufficient for ensuring long-term safety. The proposed shift aims to move toward a continuous monitoring system that evaluates a driver’s behavior and safety record throughout their entire career, rather than just at the point of entry.

Central to this reform is the potential implementation of a demerit or penalty points system, similar to models utilized in the United Kingdom. While the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) currently manages licenses, there is no cohesive tracking system that integrates traffic violations, training history, and professional conduct. By adopting a penalty system, authorities can track behavioral patterns over time, ensuring that habitual offenders face appropriate sanctions while identifying those who may benefit from specific rehabilitation or retraining programs.

The National Driver Safety Profile would ideally function as a holistic database, consolidating records from various agencies to provide a complete picture of every motorist. This would include accident history, mandatory training sessions, and law enforcement encounters. Drawing inspiration from international best practices in countries like Australia and Singapore, the proposed system would leverage modern technology to facilitate real-time data sharing. Proponents emphasize that such a system must be supported by robust data protection measures to maintain the integrity of personal information while promoting public safety.

Moving forward, DCOP Eklu recommends a collaborative feasibility study with relevant authorities to pilot the initiative. This approach seeks to redefine driving as a lifelong responsibility that requires constant accountability. By fostering a culture of continuous assessment, Ghana can more effectively minimize road accidents and modernize its transportation framework to meet international standards, ensuring that the privilege of driving is tied to a demonstrated commitment to safety.