The Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana have expressed their firm opposition to the National Road Safety Authority’s (NRSA) decision to restrict Toyota Voxy vehicles from being used for long-distance commercial transport.
The operators contend that the justifications provided by the NRSA lack technical merit. Speaking in an interview on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, the National Chairman, Asonoba Nana Wiredu, stated that an outright prohibition of these vehicles fails to address the broader challenges affecting road safety across the country.
He advocated for a more comprehensive and balanced strategy, describing the current ban as a “lazy approach” to a complex issue.
During his conversation with host Kwabena Agyapong, the Chairman emphasised that a blanket ban is not a viable solution for road safety concerns. In an official statement, the group remarked:
“The decision to ban the Toyota Voxy for commercial purposes is a lazy and ill-conceived approach. We urge the NRSA to reconsider its position and engage industry stakeholders. The Toyota Voxy remains a widely used and reliable vehicle within the transport sector, and this directive could negatively impact many drivers and their families who depend on it for their livelihoods.”
Additionally, the Chairman called on the NRSA to shift its focus toward driver education and professional training, specifically through the organisation of road safety seminars designed to improve driving standards. Regarding the root causes of road incidents, the group added:
“The NRSA should adopt targeted safety interventions in high-risk areas and address underlying challenges such as poor road infrastructure, which is a primary cause of road crashes. The decision taken by the NRSA exposes a lack of understanding of the sector.”
Asonoba Nana Wiredu proposed that the NRSA reconsider the ban in favour of direct stakeholder engagement.
He suggested that the authority should prioritise the development of safety measures for high-risk zones, focus on driver education, and address the fundamental infrastructure issues that contribute to accidents.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
