The Technical Working Committee of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has declared the commercial use of Toyota Voxy vehicles illegal.
This move aims at curbing rising road safety risks and represents a major shift in the landscape of Ghana’s public transport.
The announcement follows an extensive review of the vehicle’s safety profile and the prevalence of unauthorized modifications currently seen on the roads.
Speaking after the committee’s final determination meeting, Dr. Godwin Kafui Ayetor, Chairman of the Technical Working Committee, explained that the decision was rooted in fundamental engineering and safety concerns.
The primary issues identified by the committee include the unregulated conversion of the vehicles.
Most Toyota Voxys in the country were originally manufactured as right-hand drive vehicles.
Dr. Ayetor noted that unregulated conversion to left-hand drive often compromises the structural integrity and mechanical responsiveness of the vehicle.
He further explained that the Voxy is being deployed for commercial passenger transport in a way that exceeds its original design specifications, putting undue stress on the vehicle’s systems.
The NRSA maintained that these factors combined present an “unacceptable risk” to the lives of passengers and other road users.
The Authority isn’t just issuing a warning; it is moving straight to enforcement.
Dr. Ayetor signaled that the Authority has already coordinated with the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to begin a nationwide crackdown.
”We are working closely with law enforcement to clamp down on transport unions and individuals who continue to use these vehicles for commercial purposes,” Dr. Ayetor stated.
The directive serves as a stern warning to transport unions and private owners.
Moving forward, commercial Voxys found operating on public roads face impoundment.
Transport unions are being urged to sensitize their members and transition to approved commercial vehicle models.
Individual owners using the Voxy for ride-hailing or intercity travel must cease commercial operations immediately to avoid prosecution.
While the ban may cause temporary ripples in the transport sector, the NRSA maintains that the long-term goal—reducing road fatalities—is non-negotiable.
By removing vehicles that have been “dangerously reconfigured,” the Authority hopes to set a higher standard for what constitutes a safe commercial vehicle in Ghana.
Will this move lead to a total phase-out of the Voxy, or will owners find a way to meet new safety standards? For now, the message is clear: the Voxy’s days as a “trotro” or commercial taxi are over.
By 1960news.com
