General
Ghana’s switch from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1974, under the military government of the National Redemption Council led by Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, could have been a recipe for confusion on the roads.
Ghana’s switch from driving on the left to driving on the right in 1974, under the military government of the National Redemption Council led by Colonel Ignatius Kutu Acheampong, could have been a recipe for confusion on the roads. But Florence Laast says she was surprised by how smoothly the country managed the change.
The veteran educationist, who witnessed the transition, recalled expecting motorists and the public to face considerable difficulties as they adjusted to the new system.
Instead, she said, the change was handled so well that it remains remarkable to her decades later.
“I was surprised the way they did it, you know, so neatly,” Mrs Laast told Kafui Dey in an interview.
She explained that she had anticipated challenges but was impressed by how the transition unfolded.
“I was expecting them to have some challenges. But it was smoothly done,” she said.
Mrs Laast praised those responsible for organising the change, repeating that they had done very well.
Asked what might have made the transition successful, she pointed to public education and preparation.
“I think they prepared the minds of the citizens very well,” she said.
She also recalled the use of radio advertisements and other channels to reach the public before the change took place.
In her view, informing people ahead of time helped make a potentially difficult transition manageable.
For Mrs Laast, Ghana’s driving transition remains an example of how careful preparation and effective communication can help the public adjust to change.
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