Bawumia Lies Again On Kayayei Driver Claim?
His lies have become consistent. No wonder on a check on the “Biggest Liar” in Ghana will turn out Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia. His recent claims about training over 100 head porters, commonly known as kayayei, to operate newly commissioned electric buses have sparked a firestorm of criticism and allegations of blatant misinformation.
Experts in the transportation sector, legal professionals, and civil society organizations have raised grave concerns, called into question the feasibility and legality of the supposed “Kayayei Empowerment Programme” (KEP).
At the crux of the controversy lies a fundamental contradiction with Ghana’s driving licence regulations. Operating buses and heavy commercial vehicles requires a Class D licence, which mandates a stringent process of training and systematic upgrading from lower-level licences over several years. Dr. Bawumia’s assertion that kayayei, many of whom are illiterate and lack formal education, were trained for a mere six months and granted Class D licenses is not only implausible but also a flagrant violation of established laws.
“This is a clear case of misleading the public on a grand scale,” said Kwame Adomako, a renowned transportation lawyer and a partner at a prestigious law firm. “Obtaining a Class D license is a rigorous process that involves multiple stages of training, testing, and upgrading from lower-level licenses over a period of years. The idea that untrained individuals, many of whom cannot read or write, could acquire such a license in just six months is preposterous and runs contrary to the very laws meant to ensure public safety on our roads.”
Adomako further emphasized that the government’s actions, if true, would constitute a blatant disregard for the rule of law, setting a dangerous precedent and undermining the integrity of the entire licensing system.
Adding fuel to the fire, reports have surfaced that one of the individuals presented as a newly trained “kayayei bus driver” has been a professional driver for at least four years, casting further doubt on the veracity of the Vice President’s claims and the alleged training program.
“This is a clear case of deception on a massive scale,” asserted Dr. Grace Ama Serwah, a prominent road safety advocate. “If the Vice President’s claims were true, it would mean that the government has flagrantly disregarded the very laws and regulations it is supposed to uphold. This is not only unethical but also puts the lives of countless commuters at risk by placing untrained and unqualified individuals behind the wheel of heavy vehicles.”
Transportation experts have also weighed in, raising critical questions about the feasibility of training illiterate individuals to operate complex electric buses, which require a deep understanding of vehicle dynamics, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.
“Operating a bus, especially an electric one, is a highly technical task that requires extensive training and experience,” said Kwabena Frimpong, a veteran bus driver with over 20 years of experience and a member of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU). “The idea that kayayei, who often lack basic literacy and numeracy skills, could be trained in such a short period to handle these vehicles safely is simply unrealistic and raises serious concerns about the competency of the alleged program.”
Frimpong emphasized that bus drivers must not only possess technical driving skills but also a comprehensive understanding of traffic laws, road signs, and emergency procedures, which are typically acquired through years of training and experience.
As criticism mounts from various quarters, calls for transparency and accountability have grown louder, with many demanding a thorough investigation into the claims made by the Vice President and the alleged “Kayayei Empowerment Programme.”
“This is not just a matter of misinformation; it is a matter of public trust and good governance,” said Akosua Mensah, a prominent civil society activist and the executive director of the “Citizens’ Voice” organization. “The Vice President’s office must provide clear evidence and documentation to support their claims or face the consequences of intentionally misleading the nation and compromising public safety.”
Mensah further emphasized that such blatant disregard for laws and regulations erodes public trust in the government and undermines the principles of accountability and transparency that are essential for a well-functioning democracy.
The fallout from this controversy has also drawn criticism from opposition political parties, who have accused the government of engaging in populist stunts and making unrealistic promises for political gain.
“This is yet another example of the government’s penchant for grandstanding and making empty promises,” said a member of parliament from the opposition party. “Instead of addressing the root causes of poverty and unemployment, they resort to fabricating stories and misleading the public. This is a clear case of deception and must be thoroughly investigated.”
With public outcry intensifying and pressure mounting from various stakeholders, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to these allegations of misinformation and address the concerns raised by experts and stakeholders within the transportation sector, legal fraternity, and civil society organizations.
As this saga unfolds, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding the rule of law, promoting transparency, and maintaining public trust in government institutions. The credibility of the nation’s leadership and the integrity of its processes are on the line, and a failure to address these concerns could have far-reaching consequences for Ghana’s democratic fabric and the well-being of its citizens.
Source: K.I. Sammy
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