Transport operators reject NRSA’s ban on Toyota Voxy for commercial use

The Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana has strongly condemned a decision by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to ban the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial purposes, describing the move as “lazy and ill-conceived.”

The NRSA announced the ban following findings from a technical working group, which determined that the vehicles were not originally designed for commercial transport. The authority also noted that many of the steering conversions carried out on the vehicles do not meet approved safety standards.

But in a statement issued on Wednesday, the transport union rejected the prohibition, arguing that it fails to address the root causes of road accidents in the country.

“Rather than engaging in blanket bans, the NRSA should focus on educating drivers on road safety tips and organising seminars to enhance their skills,” the statement read. “The Toyota Voxy is a popular and reliable vehicle, widely used for commercial transport, and its ban will cause significant hardship for many families.”

The union has called on the NRSA to immediately reconsider the ban and engage with stakeholders. It also urged the authority to develop targeted safety measures for high-risk areas, prioritise driver education and training, and address underlying issues such as poor road infrastructure.

“This decision reflects a lack of understanding of the transport sector’s complexities,” the operators said. “We will not support this shameful idea and will take all necessary steps to protect our members’ interests.”

The statement was signed by Asonaba Nana Wiredu, National Chairman of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana; David Agboado, PRO; and Yaw Barimah, National PRO of the True Drivers Union.

The NRSA has yet to respond to the union’s demands.