Ghana's Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) denied 4,896 commercial and private vehicle drivers licences in 2023. These denials stemmed from poor eyesight, including conditions like refractive errors, glaucoma, and cataracts.
The affected applicants were part of 251,117 drivers who underwent mandatory eye testing across Ghana last year. Among those tested, 218,471, or 87%, passed the initial examination. The 4,896 denials highlight a focused effort to enhance road safety by ensuring drivers meet minimum visual standards.
This initiative fits into Ghana’s broader push to reduce road accidents and improve public health. Road accidents remain a major concern, often attributed to various factors, including driver competency and vehicle roadworthiness. The DVLA’s stringent testing is a direct response to data indicating poor vision contributes significantly to these incidents. This effort is consistent with a series of reforms in road traffic regulations over recent years aimed at modernising the transport sector.
Mr. Kafui Semevo, Director for Driver Training, Testing and Licensing (DTTL) at the DVLA, confirmed the strict enforcement. He told The Ghanaian Times that the decision aligns with Regulation 29 of L.I. 2180 under the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683). This regulation mandates eye examinations for all new and renewing licence applicants. Mr. Semevo emphasised that poor vision is a significant cause of road accidents, making these tests crucial.
The impact of these measures is ongoing, with significant implications for road safety and public health. An estimated 24,483 applicants who initially failed eventually passed after receiving treatment and medical interventions, such as prescribed lenses. This indicates that many eye conditions are treatable. The DVLA also disclosed that proposed amendments to the Road Traffic Regulations will permit drivers with single vision to operate private vehicles only, excluding them from commercial driving. This suggests a nuanced approach to managing different levels of visual impairment within the driving population. The Authority is collaborating with the University of Cape Coast and the Ghana Optometric Association to assess the reforms' long-term impact. This collaboration aims to refine policies and enhance public education on the importance of good vision for safe driving.