Dignitaries in a group photograph
Minister for Transport, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, has charged stakeholders in the driver and vehicle industry to ensure a just and fair transition to innovative modes of transport.
Opening the maiden International Driver and Vehicle Innovations Conference (IDVIC) which had over 500 delegates, in Accra yesterday Mr. Asiamah said Electric Vehicles (EVs) which is one of the most promising areas of transport innovation are gaining momentum globally as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to Internal Combustion Engine (ICEs) vehicles.
He said leading markets in Europe, China, Sweden, and Norway among others have all made commitments to halt the sale and production of ICEs in the not-too-distant future which has implications on the country’s road transport industry.
Mr. Asiamah thus noted that the Ministry in collaboration with other stakeholders is spearheading the development of a National Policy aimed at promoting sustainable transport, energy security and economic benefits, improved urban air quality and public health among others.
He said while the potential benefits of EVs are immense, “we must also not lose sight of the challenges that come with it.
The transition towards a more technology-driven transport landscape will require that we take steps to address issues related to cybersecurity and job losses.”
He thus noted that in developing the Policy, “we are mindful of the need for a transition that is just and fair. We are also mindful of the need to ensure inclusivity, affordability, safety and fairness in the provision of incentives.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Kwesi Agyeman Busia said the conference marks an important and pivotal juncture in the shared commitment of exploring the limitless possibilities of innovation in the transportation industry.
He stressed the need to recognize that technology has become the linchpin of modern driver and vehicle licensing management as the industry experiences a seismic shift towards digitization, automation, and data analytics.
“Technological drivers such as automation, connectivity and low carbon technologies coupled with new vehicle sharing trends are completely redefining the business of getting around with the right policies and right balance,” he said.
Mr. Busia noted that it is therefore necessary to explore the qualities of leadership and management that will guide stakeholders toward a future where driver and vehicle licensing not only meets present needs but also anticipates and adapts to the demands of tomorrow.
“It would require developing efficient and equitable governance systems, for example, policy makers will have to address road transport and its attendant stresses, economic losses, pollution and greenhouse emissions”, he said.
He added that to harness the promise of new technologies, public authorities must define and coordinate all actors in the public interest and establish efficient and equitable governance for complex and multimodal transport systems.
“The driver and vehicle licensing landscape is evolving with remarkable speed, from digital licenses and vehicle registration to automated testing and data-driven decision-making.
To lead effectively in this environment, we must encourage our teams to explore new frontiers, experiment with emerging technologies, and remain agile in our response to evolving needs,” he added.
By Jamila Akweley Okertchiri