GXO colleague tackles driver training standards in Ghana with Transaid

19th February 2026

Lucas O’Brien, of GXO Logistics, is undertaking a six-month secondment in Accra, Ghana, as a Project Officer with Transaid, supporting the nationwide rollout of a new driver training standard in Ghana alongside providing support to the establishment of a training centre for trainers of Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers.

Working alongside members of the Transaid team and driver associations, he is speaking with drivers and trainers to raise awareness of the new national driver training standard, developing presentations and materials to help ensure quality HGV driver training, and representing Transaid at events and conferences nationwide.

Supporting safer driving standards in Ghana

Transaid launched its driver training initiative in Ghana in 2021. Since then, Transaid has been supporting the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) Ghana to embed improved driver training and assessment across the country.

Since August 2024 alone, nearly 5,000 drivers have received education and training informed by the new standard. This critical road safety programme in Ghana, aimed at improving driving standards and reducing road traffic incidents, is currently in its second phase, supported by funding from the Puma Energy Foundation.

Commenting on his secondment, Lucas says:

“The opportunity came about as I was completing my Supply Chain Degree Apprenticeship and began looking for a new challenge at GXO. This seemed like the perfect opportunity to push myself out of my comfort zone.

“My goal is to have made a notable change by the end of my time in Ghana, and with the support of the Transaid team, I am confident that is going to be the case. I’m grateful to be involved with such an interesting project that I know is going to save lives.”

 

Corporate partnerships driving global impact

Gavin Williams, Managing Director, UK and Ireland, GXO, and Transaid Trustee, shares: “We’re proud to partner with Transaid and to give our colleagues the opportunity to share their skills and see first-hand the importance of safety within logistics globally. Lucas is the fifth colleague from GXO to go secondment with Transaid, and I’m confident it will prove as rewarding, both personally and professionally, as it has been for those who went before him.

“At GXO, we’re proud to be recognised as one of the UK’s top employers for apprentices, and opportunities like this secondment demonstrate our commitment to developing early career talent and giving our apprentices and graduates the platform to grow, contribute and lead.”

As a Transaid corporate partner, GXO has the opportunity to send colleagues on international development secondments, offering participants the chance to use their professional skills and logistics expertise to tackle new challenges and deliver valuable work supporting transport and road safety programmes in Africa.

Over the years, these placements have been tailored to suit a variety of individuals and organisations, with some secondments lasting as little as a week and others extending beyond a year.

Thelma Ayisi, Project Manager for Transaid in Ghana, says:

“Lucas has been an excellent addition to our team. It is always a joy to have the secondees from GXO as they continue to impress with their levels of professionalism and dedication.”

 

Investing in future talent

With 500 colleagues completing their qualifications in 2025, including Lucas, GXO was ranked in the top 10 companies for apprenticeships in the UK. More than 1,700 apprentices are currently learning and earning through the 60 programmes available, reinforcing GXO’s commitment to developing early career talent within the logistics industry.