-Bawumia Falsely Takes Credit for Training Female Bus Driver Who Defied the Odds
Accusations of consistent dishonesty have been leveled against Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia following his recent declaration about training over 100 head porters, commonly known as kayayei, to operate newly commissioned electric buses.
The contentious statements have ignited a storm of criticism and prompted allegations of deliberate misinformation.
Stakeholders in the transportation sector, legal experts, and civil society organizations have voiced serious reservations, casting doubt on the viability and legality of the purported “Kayayei Empowerment Programme” (KEP).
At the heart of the dispute lies a fundamental contradiction with Ghana’s driving license regulations. Operating buses and heavy commercial vehicles necessitates a Class D license, which entails a comprehensive training process and gradual advancement from lower-level licenses over a span of years.
Dr. Bawumia’s assertion that kayayei, many of whom are illiterate and lack formal education, underwent a mere six months of training to obtain Class D licenses is not only implausible but also a clear breach of established laws. Renowned transportation lawyer Kwame Adomako emphasized, “This is a monumental case of deceiving the public.
Acquiring a Class D license involves rigorous training, testing, and progression from lower licenses over an extended period.
The notion that untrained individuals, many of whom are illiterate, could secure such a license in just six months is absurd and contradicts the laws designed to ensure road safety.”
Concerns have deepened with reports suggesting that one individual presented as a newly trained “kayayei bus driver” had been a professional driver for at least four years, further casting doubt on the Vice President’s claims and the alleged training initiative.
“This is a significant case of deceit,” asserted Dr. Grace Ama Serwah, a prominent road safety advocate. “If the Vice President’s assertions were true, it would indicate a blatant disregard for the very laws and regulations meant to be upheld by the government.
This not only lacks ethics but also jeopardizes commuter safety by placing untrained individuals in charge of heavy vehicles.”
Questioning the feasibility of training illiterate individuals to operate complex electric buses, transportation experts highlighted the technical complexities involved, stressing that such tasks demand extensive training and experience.
Amid escalating criticism, demands for transparency and accountability have grown louder, with many advocating for a thorough investigation into the Vice President’s claims and the alleged “Kayayei Empowerment Programme.”
As scrutiny mounts from various quarters, calls for a dignified response from the government have intensified. Failure to rectify these concerns could have profound implications for Ghana’s democratic framework and the welfare of its populace.