The Bole District has officially welcomed the establishment of the Boressa Driving Institute, a new driving school expected to improve road safety and create employment opportunities for young people in the area.
Speaking at the launch, the Administrator, Chief Muapewura Alhaji Abdulai Jarga, expressed delight at the inauguration of the institute, describing it as a timely intervention for the district.
In his welcome address, which was attended by traditional rulers, the District Director of Education, police commanders, military representatives and other dignitaries, he cited a popular saying that emphasizes the value of having essential services closer to home.
He noted that before the arrival of the driving school, residents of Bole had to travel long distances to cities such as Tamale, Wa or Sunyani to obtain a driver’s licence. According to him, the establishment of the institute has saved residents the cost and stress of such journeys.
“By God’s grace, the proprietor thought it wise to bring this facility to Bole to save us that journey. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this beautiful idea,” he said.
Chief Jarga also thanked heads of departments and invited guests for honouring the occasion despite their busy schedules, expressing confidence that the institute would serve the community effectively.
On behalf of the Chief Executive Officer and staff, Iddisah Tahiru Omega the Spokes person for the Bole MP explained that the idea for the institute was born out of an earlier attempt to send young men and women from Bole to the Bono Region for professional driver training.
According to him, although forms were secured and names recorded, unforeseen challenges prevented the plan from materializing. This led to discussions with the Member of Parliament for Bole-Bamboi, Alhaji Yusif Sulemana who encouraged efforts to search for a reliable body to establish a driving school within Bole instead.
Through the MP’s efforts and connections, an investor was secured to set up the institute. It was also suggested that the school adopt a local name to resonate with the people, resulting in the name “Boressa Driving Institute.”
The institute currently operates with three training vehicles, comprising both automatic and manual transmission cars. Prospective learners can choose their preferred transmission type or opt to train in both.
The school’s motto, “Master the Road with Confidence,” reflects its commitment to providing comprehensive training in both theory and practical driving skills.
Mr. Omega emphasized that the establishment of the institute would significantly reduce road accidents, many of which are attributed to untrained drivers who learn informally and acquire licences through unapproved means.
He recounted an incident earlier in the day when a driver who had not undergone proper training ran into the back of their vehicle during a float ahead of the launch ceremony.
“If that person had gone through proper training at a recognized institute, such an incident might not have occurred,” he stated.
Beyond road safety, the institute is expected to address unemployment by equipping young people with professional driving skills that could enable them to secure jobs in the security services, government agencies and private sector institutions.
According to him, employers are more confident in hiring drivers who have been trained at reputable institutions, as it reduces the cost of retraining and the risk of damage to vehicles.
He revealed plans to expand the institute in the future by adding a boarding facility to accommodate students from neighbouring communities such as Damongo, Sawla and Salaga.
Omega assured the public that the training environment is conducive, with a fully equipped classroom and instructional materials to ensure that learners are thoroughly grounded in road safety rules and driving techniques.
He stressed that the institute is open to everyone, regardless of educational background, and encouraged artisans, traders, workers and market women to take advantage of the opportunity.
Also speaking at the event, ASP Owusu Twum underscored the importance of discipline and adherence to traffic regulations. While commending the establishment of the school, he noted that accidents cannot be eliminated entirely, as most are caused by human error.
He appealed to the management of Boressa Driving Institute to prioritize public education on road safety and collaborate with the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) and other relevant agencies to strengthen training programmes.
The police officer further expressed concern about underage riders, particularly among commercial motorbike operators, urging that only persons above 18 years be allowed to undergo training and operate vehicles.
He called on rider unions and driver associations present at the event to support public education efforts and ensure strict compliance with traffic laws.
The launch of Boressa Driving Institute marks a significant milestone for Bole District and the Savannah Region at large, with stakeholders optimistic that the facility will enhance road safety, reduce unemployment and promote professional driving standards in the enclave.
Source: nkilgifm.com
