AMA reminds commercial drivers to obtain valid commercial driver’s licences
Story by: Regina Bless
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has reminded drivers operating commercial vehicles with yellow registration plates within its jurisdiction to obtain valid commercial driver’s licences from the Assembly in accordance with its commercial transport by-laws.
The requirement is contained in the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws, 2017, which provides guidelines for regulating commercial transport operations within the metropolis.
The Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Nii Ankrah, said the clarification was necessary following misunderstandings among some motorists and enforcement officers regarding the difference between a commercial driver’s licence and a vehicle sticker.
According to him, the AMA commercial driver’s licence is issued to the individual driver, rather than the vehicle. The licence is issued as a card and costs GH¢60 for new applicants and GH¢23 for annual renewal.
He explained that drivers of commercially registered vehicles, identified by their yellow number plates, are required to obtain the AMA commercial driver’s licence in addition to the appropriate driving licence issued by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA).
Mr. Ankrah stressed that commercial drivers must carry their AMA-issued licence whenever they are engaged in commercial transport activities.
He further clarified that obtaining a vehicle sticker and obtaining a commercial driver’s licence are separate requirements. Privately registered vehicles with white number plates may also be subject to applicable vehicle sticker requirements, particularly when they are used to transport goods or undertake activities covered by the Assembly’s permit arrangements.
He emphasised that having a vehicle sticker does not automatically mean that a motorist must obtain an AMA commercial driver’s licence.
Under the by-laws, authorised enforcement officers may request commercial drivers to produce their Assembly-issued licences for inspection. The AMA Transport Enforcement Task Force is also mandated to inspect vehicle stickers and commercial driver’s licences.
The AMA has therefore urged all commercial drivers operating within its jurisdiction to obtain and maintain valid licences to avoid non-compliance with the Assembly’s regulations.
The Assembly believes that increased public education, clearer understanding of the requirements and consistent enforcement will help reduce confusion among motorists and improve compliance with commercial transport regulations across the metropolis.