Akim Oda, Eastern Region, July 10, 2026 – The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service has issued a stern warning to parents and guardians against allowing children under the age of 18 to drive, cautioning that they could face criminal prosecution if an underage driver is involved in a fatal road accident.
Speaking during a road safety awareness campaign in Akim Oda, Chief Inspector Frempong Ayeh Fergus of the Akim Oda MTTD said parents who hand over vehicle keys to minors are not only violating Ghana’s road traffic laws but could also be held legally responsible for the consequences of their children’s actions.
“Parents who give vehicles to children below 18 years should take note that if their child causes a fatal accident, they will be jailed alongside them,” he warned.
Chief Inspector Fergus explained that under Ghana’s laws, parents and guardians who knowingly permit underage persons to operate motor vehicles may be held accountable, especially where negligence results in the loss of lives or serious injuries.
He stressed that the legal driving age in Ghana is 18 years, and anyone below that age is prohibited from driving on public roads unless under specific circumstances permitted by law.
The police officer urged parents to prioritize the safety of their children and other road users by refusing requests from minors to drive, regardless of the distance or purpose of the journey.
He also called on vehicle owners to ensure that their vehicles are not accessed by underage persons, warning that a moment of negligence could lead to tragic consequences and legal sanctions.
The MTTD reiterated its commitment to enforcing road traffic regulations and intensifying public education campaigns to reduce road crashes, particularly those involving inexperienced and unauthorized drivers.
Road safety advocates have welcomed the warning, noting that underage driving continues to pose a significant threat to public safety due to the lack of experience, maturity and legal qualification of young drivers.
The Police Service has encouraged the public to report incidents of underage driving and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in promoting safer roads across the country.
