The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) has expressed skepticism over Vice-President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s recent promise to extend the renewal period for driver's licences to 10 years.

The association says the pledge is a potential political ploy ahead of the 2024 general elections.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, 13 August 2024, C-DAG welcomed the suggestion of a 10-year renewal period but questioned the Vice-President’s sincerity, citing a history of unmet promises and policies that have negatively impacted drivers, particularly commercial operators.

“While we welcome the suggestion as a brilliant idea, we have genuine cause to believe that it is another bait to just win the votes of drivers because he has in times past exhibited glaring lack of concern for the plight of drivers,” the statement noted.

The association pointed out several instances where drivers have faced increased financial burdens under the current government.

“It is the Bawumia-led Economic Management Team that introduced the Sanitation and Pollution Levy (SPL) on petroleum products and several other taxes that are contributing to the continuous increment in fuel prices,” the statement indicated.

C-DAG also highlighted the significant increase in costs associated with acquiring, renewing, and replacing driver’s licences and roadworthy certificates under the current administration.

The association criticised government's failure to deliver on previous promises, such as the introduction of electric vehicles for commercial drivers, a pledge made during the 2020 election campaign.

“Even recently, Dr. Bawumia pledged to address the issue of penalties for roadworthy certificate renewal for vehicles that went to the workshop. However, he appears to have completely forgotten the July 5 pledge,” the statement emphasised.

C-DAG urged drivers to remain vigilant and not be swayed by what they described as “deceptive” promises.

“Once bitten, twice shy,” the statement warned, calling on Dr. Bawumia to demonstrate his commitment by removing taxes on petroleum products, reducing the cost of acquiring licenses, and fulfilling past pledges before introducing new promises.