The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, Ghana (CILT-Ghana) has held a two-day seminar on the effective and efficient management of vehicle fleets by companies and organizations.

The workshop, held on August 14 and 15, aimed at enhancing the capacity and knowledge of participants on how to effectively manage their vehicle fleets to ensure proper maintenance and consistent productivity.

Delivering a speech on the first day of the workshop, the President of CILT-Ghana, Egnr. Mark A. Amoamah, explained that the objective of the seminar was to "optimize fleet operations and fleet management strategy aimed at controlling fleet operational costs, managing productivity, and reducing risk by complying with regulations and safety standards."

He elucidated further that the exercise forms part of plans to enhance the delivery of service and ensure compliance with road safety regulations.

"As part of the broader national framework to improve service quality and reduce the risk associated with road crashes, injuries, and deaths (CIDs), the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is enjoined by Regulation 87 of the NRSA Regulations, 2022 (L.I. 2468) to register transport departments and units of all organizations, including Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.

"A couple of weeks ago, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), together with TRANSAID, CILT Ghana, and other key stakeholders, launched a standardized curriculum for the training of drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGV) and also an instructor’s training manual. This curriculum and manual are to enhance the competency of drivers of Heavy Goods Vehicles and, more importantly, promote safety on our roads. I want to reiterate that it will require strong commitment at the highest level to achieve the full benefits of the implementation of these standards," he said.

He expressed the belief that the workshop will expose the participants to the best practices and ensure that their vehicles are managed to world-class standards.

"This workshop aims to equip you—directors and managers of vehicle fleets—with world-class standards and best practices in efficient fleet operations and management in a sustainable manner within organizations. This year’s contents are carefully selected to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance safety.

As we embark on this workshop, I urge all participants to actively engage in the discussions, share insights, and learn from each other’s experiences.

"I would like to express my gratitude to our sponsors: Enterprise Insurance, SalamAllianz Ghana, and Tenth Generation Technology Systems for their dedication and support in making this workshop possible. Your commitment to our cause is highly commendable, and I am confident that this workshop will be a fruitful endeavor for all involved," he said.

Dr. Andrews Osei Mensah, Vice President of Education and Professional Development, noted that effective maintenance of the vehicles will reduce road accidents.

He noted that the training is tailored to the needs of the industry players and will help consolidate their gains.

Some of the participants who spoke to the press described the workshop as a timely and crucial one that will significantly help them discharge their duties.

While they commended the executives of CILT-Ghana for the initiative, they assured of their resolve to put into action what they learnt during the workshop.

EK