BY Issah Olegor
Tensions are rising within the transport sector as commercial drivers and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) clash over the Authority’s decision to ban the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport.
The dispute follows the NRSA’s announcement on April 7 declaring the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles illegal for public transport, citing safety concerns and regulatory breaches—particularly the widespread conversion of the vehicles from right-hand drive to left-hand drive.
However, transport operators have strongly rejected the directive. The Public Relations Officer of the Commercial Transport Operators Union, David Agboado, described the NRSA’s findings as “bogus,” arguing that the report lacks credibility and failed to involve key stakeholders in the transport industry.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Citi FM, he insisted that the research underpinning the decision does not reflect the realities on the ground.
“The people who should have been involved in the research are we, the transport operators,” he said, questioning the basis of the conclusions reached.
Agboado further suggested that the timing of the directive may be linked to attempts to shift public attention away from a potential increase in transport fares driven by rising fuel prices.
Despite the backlash, the Director-General of the NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, has maintained a firm stance, insisting that the Authority will proceed with the ban in the interest of public safety.
He argued that the opposition is largely coming from individuals benefiting from non-compliant practices, stressing that the NRSA’s mandate is to reduce road crashes and enforce safety regulations.
“We are not here to please anyone. Our responsibility is to ensure safety on our roads,” Mr. Amaliba stated, adding that Ghana must move away from what he described as a culture of resistance to regulation.
The standoff highlights a growing divide between regulators and operators, with drivers warning of potential job losses and increased transport costs, while authorities insist the measures are necessary to protect lives.
