The introduction of a mandatory First Aid box by the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) has sparked public anger and debate.

The first aid kit which is sold by the DVLA at GHS108 was introduced this year and is mandatory for anyone who goes for a car registration.

Member of Parliament for Adaklu, Kwame Agbodza, who is also the Minority Spokesperson on Roads and Transport, who condemned the Authority for introducing the mandatory First Aid Kit said the price tag is outrageously high.

“If we think towing is important but we expect people to take responsibility and do it by themselves, why are we selling First Aid boxes to them directly? Why don’t we ask them to go and buy it?

“Who determines the cost? Why can’t I get a cheaper one somewhere? Why is it attached to the registration of vehicles? I think it should be stopped immediately for us to have a dialogue.

“I just sent a message to the Minister that I cannot support him on this. This is very wrong. At a time motorists are suffering on so many levels, fuel prices are up and everything, it is just wrong,” he said.

Adding his voice to the discussion, Former Deputy Information Minister, Felix Ofosu Kwakye, has said the original price of a kit costs only GHS20.

“It costs over GHS100 to acquire one of these and it is mandatory too. There are places where this could be purchased for GHS20.”

The Deputy Minister of Transport, Titus Glover, has said the his Ministry was not consulted with thereby describing the move by DVLA as “unacceptable”.