Member of Parliament for Banda in the Bono Region, Ahmed Ibrahim, has trained a total of 150 youth, including 3 females, in his constituency in driving.

The training at City Connect Driving School in Banda came at no cost to the beneficiaries, in addition to free driving licenses and certificates.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the drivers, the MP said the move forms part of his module to empower the youth to improve their livelihood.

According to the MP, who is also the National Democratic Congress’s Deputy Minority Chief Whip, a yet-to-be-constituted board will supervise the sharing of the few available cars and motor tricycles to some of the drivers on a work-and-pay basis to enable more to be purchased for other beneficiaries.

The board, he said, will have representations from the religious bodies, the youth groups, and the assembly members.

“So if they give it (car or motor tricycle) to you and you are defaulting, the pressure will not come from me, the MP. It’s the system that will take the car from you and give it to someone who can work and pay,” he emphasized.

“Each one of them has gotten their license, which can be used to drive a vehicle or a motorcycle,” he explained and stressed that the end game is for everyone to use the license for economic gains.

He said the only condition is that by the time a driver finishes paying, the money should be able to buy a new car or motor tricycle for other beneficiaries before the old one is taken away.

Mr. Ibrahim expressed confidence that other investors could be joining if the module starts well.

He, therefore, implored the youth to stay away from the get-rich-quick mentality and build a credible character that would not affect their livelihood opportunities.

He further advised the youth to treat businesses belonging to individuals and the government as belonging to themselves, and if they steal from it, they have stolen from themselves. 

“If this character formation is inculcated and it becomes intrinsic in our youth, nobody would be unemployed,” he said.

Making biblical references, the legislator said David and Daniel were employed because of the good character traits – integrity, credibility, and honesty - they exhibited, while those who kept lying remained unemployed.

He said, “There are jobs in Ghana, but getting the required values in the persons you are looking for, is what we don’t have.” 

Some of the beneficiaries, most of whom are from poor backgrounds, expressed their delight to their MP for the opportunity to be trained to become professional drivers. 

“I know with this I can help my family,” a beneficiary, Mohammed Abu Seidu said. “My tears are that of joy because my dreams have become a reality,” another beneficiary said.

Various speakers, including an officer of the Ghana Police Service, entreated them to let their training reflect while behind the steering wheel else they may fall foul of the road regulations.

The certificate and license presentation ceremony for the graduated drivers was witnessed by religious leaders, constituency, and regional executives of the NDC, Tain, and Jaman North MPs, among many other dignitaries.