By : P Uriah Suah
suahuriah86@gmail.com
Ganta, Nimba County – The Action Driving Academy (ADA) over the weekend held its 78th graduation ceremony in Ganta, graduating 31 newly trained professional drivers, including six women. The institution, which has been operating since 2009, aims to equip Liberians with safe driving skills to help reduce the growing number of road accidents attributed to poorly trained drivers.
Speaking during the ceremony, the class president, Lawrence Deemie, expressed joy over completing the training. He highlighted how the driving skills he acquired have not only improved his confidence but have also opened employment opportunities.
“I feel excited to have added professional driving skills to my life,” Deemie said. “In many workplaces, people are turned down for not having basic skills like computer literacy or driving. I’m proud that today I don’t need to rely on anyone to drive my car.”
Deemie recounted how he recently drove to Banga alone for the first time and encouraged others to join the program. “ADA has something good to offer. Driving helps you do things others can’t easily do. If you plan to learn driving, locate ADA,
” he added.
For his part, ADA’s founder and Executive Director, Joseph A. Fayiah, praised the students and reaffirmed the academy’s commitment to professional training.
“This marks our 78th graduation in Ganta City. Unlike many driving schools that take students’ money and disappear, we ensure that every cycle we start is completed. Today, we graduated 31 students—25 males and six females,” Fayiah said.
He noted that many of ADA’s alumni are now working as commercial and private drivers across Liberia, including at major companies and in the concession areas like ArcelorMittal. “We have graduates driving in Monrovia, working with businesses in Ganta, and even employed in places like Banga and Sanniquellie,” he explained.
Fayiah also revealed ADA’s expansion efforts. “We started in Ganta, but we now offer training in Sanniquellie, Karnplay, and Gbarnga in Bong County. Our goal is to reach Lofa, Grand Gedeh, and other counties where access to professional driver education is limited,” he said.
He emphasized that ADA trainers are highly qualified. “Our trainers are not random drivers. We train them ourselves to handle students and vehicles professionally, ensuring safety and high standards,” Fayiah said.
Despite facing challenges such as limited public awareness, lack of road courtesy toward student drivers, and financial difficulties among students, ADA remains committed to its mission.
“The cost of a vehicle today is high. Taking the risk of driving without proper training is dangerous. For just over $100, we can teach you how to drive safely and maintain your car,” he stressed.
Fayiah concluded by calling on the public to support driving education as a means to promote road safety and empower individuals with practical skills that can change lives.
