The Minister for Transport, Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah addressing the participants, stressed the need for safe, accessible, affordable, and effective road transport, highlighting the commitment of the government towards road safety interventions, including the revision of the National Transport Policy of 2008, the Revised National Transport Policy of 2020 which emerged from a review process, encompassing ten broad policy themes, including sustainable transport and the application of new technologies.
He underscored the strategic context of the National Transport Policy, aligning it with Article 6.4a of the Paris Agreement. This alignment, he noted, sought to promote the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions while fostering sustainable development. The strategies listed in the policy aimed to ensure the provision of transport infrastructure and services in a manner that preserves societal integrity, environmental health, and climate stability.
The Hon. Minister mentioned that figures from the National Road Safety Authority indicated an encouraging 11.27% reduction in road traffic fatalities in August 2023 compared to the previous year, signalling progress but he emphasised the need for further action to reduce road fatalities drastically.
To accelerate the development of urban transport systems, he stated that special attention had been given to the Metro Mass Transit Limited and Intercity STC Coaches Limited by the Government since 2017. They were supplied with new intercity buses, aimed at enhancing the movement of people and improving the quality of life for Ghanaians.
Acknowledging the looming climate crisis, the Minister expressed keen interest in collaborative events like the International Driver and Vehicle Innovations Conference. He commended the DVLA and collaborating partners for fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
He highlighted the ongoing technological revolution, particularly in the automotive industry. Ground-breaking advancements, from electric vehicles to autonomous systems, were presented as transformative forces reshaping the future of the transport industry.
Hon. Ofori Asiamah said, the global momentum for Electric Vehicles (EVs) as a cleaner and more sustainable alternative to fossil fuel was increasing. He added that plans for a National Policy to guide the uptake of Electric Vehicles in Ghana were underway and it will consider outcomes such as promoting sustainable transport, ensuring energy security and economic benefits, and enhancing urban air quality and public health.
He noted that the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in driver and vehicle technology was a potential game-changer in the era of electric vehicles. He highlighted AI's role in enhancing vehicle safety and contributing to an improved driving experience, but they needed to address challenges related to cybersecurity and potential job losses that may come up.
Hon. Kwaku Ofori Asiamah calling the participants to action, emphasized the need to "Innovate, Reinvent, and Sustain, noting that embracing emerging technologies was not just a choice but a necessity to pave the way for a safer, more efficient, and environmentally sustainable road transport sector.
He called for public support and participation in the ongoing discourse as Ghana sought to innovate, reinvent, and sustain the transport sector. The Minister affirmed that the future of road transport was not a distant vision but a collective endeavour that begins with the policies formulated today.