NRSA Bans Toyota Voxy for Long-Distance Commercial Transport Over Safety Concerns

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has officially prohibited the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for long-distance commercial transport in Ghana, citing significant safety risks associated with their operation on highways.

According to the Authority, the decision follows extensive technical assessments, which revealed that the Toyota Voxy, originally designed as a compact urban minivan, is not structurally suited for high-speed, long-distance travel under commercial load conditions. Concerns have been raised about its stability, durability, and overall crashworthiness when used beyond its intended purpose.

The NRSA emphasised that many of the Voxy vehicles currently used for commercial transport have also undergone unauthorized modifications, including steering conversions from right-hand drive to left-hand drive. These alterations, often carried out by unregulated garages, further compromise the vehicle’s engineering integrity and significantly increase the risk of mechanical failure and road traffic accidents.

Officials noted that the growing use of such vehicles for intercity passenger transport has become a major road safety issue, particularly given Ghana’s road conditions and long travel distances between regions. The Authority stressed that passenger safety remains a top priority, and any vehicle deemed unfit for purpose will not be tolerated within the commercial transport system.

To ensure compliance, the NRSA is expected to collaborate with key enforcement bodies, including the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Standards Authority. Joint enforcement operations will focus on identifying and removing non-compliant vehicles from the roads.

Transport operators and vehicle owners have been advised to transition to approved vehicles that meet safety and regulatory standards for long-distance travel. The NRSA has also indicated that public education campaigns will be intensified to raise awareness about the dangers associated with improper vehicle use and illegal modifications.

This directive forms part of a broader national strategy aimed at reducing road accidents, improving vehicle safety compliance, and protecting the lives of passengers across the country.