Transport consultant Cecil Garbrah suggested that Ghana should consider lowering the legal driving age from 18 to 16.
While acknowledging the current laws, he argued that today’s 16-year-olds are more mature and capable than previous generations and should be allowed to obtain a driving license earlier.
Citing the evolving intelligence and physical capabilities of teenagers on Joy News' PM Express, Mr Garbrah stated, “We need to look at the age limit of 18. We need to look at it and then bring it to 16.”
He explained that many countries around the world allow individuals as young as 16 to drive and suggested that Ghana follow suit.
Mr Garbrah pointed out that the current law, which was implemented in 1996, may be outdated, as today’s youth are more capable of handling the responsibilities of driving: “The lactogen babies are no more lactogen babies.
"I mean, you talk to a 16-year-old, and then you have a chat with him, and some of the things that he knows you don’t know.”
Mr Garbrah’s position is rooted in the idea that driving requires intelligence and responsibility, which he believes many 16-year-olds possess today.
He recounted his experiences as a driving school instructor, where he could easily assess individuals’ readiness for the road: “We need intelligence to drive. It is not anybody who can drive.”
He believes that if teenagers can demonstrate maturity and capability, they should be allowed to drive.
Despite his advocacy, Garbrah made it clear that the current law still stands. “At this very moment, it says 18,” he admitted.
However, he called for a serious review of this regulation, especially in light of recent incidents involving younger drivers.
He cited the recent case of a 16-year-old involved in an accident, questioning whether the individual was truly prepared to handle the complexities of driving.
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