Sunyani Technical University (STU) has organised a training workshop for its drivers to strengthen professionalism, work ethics, courtesy and road safety practices within the universityβs Transport Department.
Also in attendance were the Vice-Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Kwadwo Adinkrah-Appiah; Pro-Vice Chancellor, Ing. Prof. Julius Caesar Puoza; the Registrar, Mr. Stephen Yeboah; Director of Finance, Mr. Thomas Kwarfo; the Transport Officer and Chief Driver, Mr. Peter Sam as well as other Senior Members of the University.
Resource person, Mr. Kwame Appiah of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), facilitated the training, focusing on the responsibilities of professional drivers, defensive driving, vehicle maintenance, route planning, communication and corporate confidentiality.
Mr. Appiah, citing 2025 road safety data, said Ghana recorded 14,743 road crashes involving 24,938 vehicles, with 2,561 pedestrians knocked down.
He said speeding accounted for 26% of crashes, while human factors contributed 85%, compared with five per cent attributed to vehicle faults.
He identified mobile phone use, reckless overtaking and fatigue as major road safety risks and urged drivers to remain alert, patient and disciplined while driving.
Mr. Appiah said professionalism extended beyond earning a livelihood, requiring drivers to possess sound knowledge of their vehicles and basic maintenance skills.
βA driver is their vehicleβs first mechanic,β he said, stressing the need for drivers to ensure that vehicles were roadworthy before use.
He further encouraged the drivers to plan routes effectively, use GPS and local knowledge, maintain accurate records and communicate professionally with passengers and colleagues.
On defensive driving, Mr. Appiah urged the drivers to anticipate hazards and remain prepared for unexpected situations and cautioned them against driving while fatigued or using mobile phones while driving.
He also introduced the concept of corporate confidentiality, reminding the drivers to protect sensitive information obtained in the course of their work.
Mr. Appiah stressed that respect and courtesy towards other road users were essential to professional driving and helped protect both lives and the reputation of STU.
Opening the workshop earlier, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adinkrah-Appiah, commended the drivers for their commitment and urged them to participate actively in the training. He said the programme was intended to reinforce precautionary measures and ethical standards in their line of work.
He also stressed the importance of courtesy and professionalism, urging the drivers to maintain high standards of conduct in and outside the university.
Prof. Puoza reinforced the message, saying the conduct of drivers should reflect positively on STUβs image. He also encouraged them to demonstrate financial discipline and responsible behaviour.
The Registrar, Mr. Stephen Yeboah, in his closing remarks, commended the drivers for their participation and urged them to apply the lessons learned to their daily duties.