Enhancing Heavy Goods Vehicle Driver Training in Ghana

19th February 2025

Project background

Ghana’s rapid infrastructure development, including the expansion of Tema Port and Boankra Inland Port, is driving increased demand for skilled heavy goods vehicle (HGV) drivers. However, the country has faced challenges in meeting this demand, with a mismatch between government-approved training standards and higher industry expectations. In response, and with funding from the Puma Energy Foundation, Transaid launched a project in 2021 to support the development and adoption of a nationally recognised HGV driver training standard.

The project, implemented in partnership with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and with the support of industry stakeholders, aimed to align training provision with industry needs and improve road safety in the face of rising traffic volumes.

Results

The new standard was developed through wide consultation and piloted in real-world settings through the training of Trainers and Master Trainers, culminating in its formal adoption by the government in 2024. Following the adoption of the standard in 2024, Transaid again with the support of the PUMA Energy Foundation, began the Driving Safety Across Ghana (DSAG) project to rollout the newly developed training standard nationwide. Working closely with driver associations, contents of the standard will be disseminated nationwide through sensitisation and direct engagement with over 8,000 drivers. The project will also respond to the anticipated increase in demand for training in inland Ghana and will build training capacity in the Ashanti Region, while supporting the establishment of an institutional home for training of driver trainers. Finally, the project will initiate dialogue with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and other political and economic unions to stimulate action towards harmonising driver training standards in the sub-region.