By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected] )
Vivo Energy Ghana has launched the second edition of its Fit2Drive driver education and wellness programme for commercial drivers as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) to improve road safety.
Held at the Neoplan Station in Kwame Nkrumah Circle-Accra, the initiative – a partnership with the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) and Hollard Ghana – is set to provide comprehensive health screenings and road safety education to over 1,000 commercial drivers across five regional capitals: Accra, Kumasi, Takoradi, Koforidua and Techiman.
The programme builds on the first edition and earlier ‘Stop, Think & Drive’ road safety campaign, championed by Vivo Energy Ghana and NRSA to equip drivers with the knowledge and tools they need to prioritise their health and safety.
Managing Director-Vivo Energy Ghana, Jean-Michel Arlandis, in a speech emphasised that the Fit2Drive programme is more than just a campaign – saying it has become a movement aimed at creating a healthier and safer driving community.
“Our goal with Fit2Drive is to educate drivers on road safety while promoting their physical and mental well-being. The theme ‘Your Health, Your Wealth’ reflects the fact that a driver’s most valuable asset is not their vehicle but their health,” Mr. Arlandis stated.
He reiterated that commercial drivers will receive occupational health screenings by the Ghana Health Service, as well as education on stress-management and wellness practices.
“We recognise that commercial drivers are the wheels that propel our economy, ensuring goods and people are transported safely and on time. However, demands of the job often lead to drivers neglecting their health. That is why today’s programme is so crucial,” he said.
As part of the initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana will distribute thermometers, glucometers and blood pressure readers to transport unions in participating regions. This equipment will help drivers monitor their health and stay safe on the roads.
Mr. Arlandis also highlighted the health insurance benefits linked to Vivo Energy’s Shell loyalty club for drivers, offered in partnership with Hollard Insurance.
“By joining the Shell loyalty club, drivers can secure rewards while ensuring health insurance coverage for themselves and their families during medical emergencies,” he said, stressing that “A healthy driver is a safer driver; and by taking control of their health, they ensure the safety of everyone who shares the road with them”.
Safety concerns in election year
Ing. David Osafo Adoteng, Acting Director-General, National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), at the launch commended Vivo Energy Ghana’s continuous efforts to promote driver wellness and education – emphasising that the initiative is a critical addition to the nation’s road safety management strategies.
He expressed concern over the rise in road accidents during election years, saying the period presents significant challenges for road safety – and hence urged drivers to be cautious this year.
He cited data showing that in normal years the country records about 10,000 road crashes with over 2,000 fatalities annually. However, during election years crashes can spike to 15,00, with fatalities rising to over 2,900.
“Historical data shows a significant spike in crashes and fatalities during election periods. This year we are actively engaging political stakeholders to ensure safer road use,” he added.
Driver welfare and professionalisation
Ing. Adoteng also discussed the importance of driver welfare, stressing that drivers should be treated as professionals….similarly to pilots.
He noted that many drivers lack basic benefits like social security (SNNIT) contributions, saying: “We (NRSA) are working to ensure that drivers receive proper monthly salaries and have access to social security to support their long-term well-being.
“We are starting from commercial passenger transport then moving to cargo, and gradually we will hit every other institution that counts on drivers’ capacity, validity and competence.
“We are going to conduct mandatory training for all of them to make them proper professional drivers, and then engage their operators to give them proper appointments,” he expatiated.
Changes expected in 2025
He said that starting in March 2025, drivers who operate independently or ‘float’ will no longer be allowed to work unless they are part of registered unions or companies, ensuring better regulation and safety on the roads.
“From March-ending 2025, failure of any transport operator to register with the National Road Safety Authority or anybody failing to be part of a union or company and operating on their own as an individual will not be entertained – and there are sanction mechanisms that will be applied,” he said.
