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The Technical Working Committee of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has ruled that using Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport is unlawful, warning that their continued operation endangers public safety.
Speaking at the presentation of the committee’s final report in Accra on April 8, Chairman Godwin Kafui Ayetor explained that the Toyota Voxy was originally designed as a family minivan, not for commercial passenger services or heavy-duty use.
He noted that the vehicle is intended for moderate mileage on well-paved roads, making it unsuitable for long-distance travel or Ghana’s often challenging road conditions. For such purposes, he recommended more appropriate vehicles like the Toyota Hiace, which are built for commercial operations.
The committee also highlighted safety concerns arising from modifications made during the conversion of these vehicles from right-hand drive to left-hand drive. According to Dr Ayetor, such alterations—including changes to suspension systems, increased vehicle height, and replacement of tyres—can weaken the vehicle’s structural integrity. He added that the original tyres are not designed for heavy loads or extended use.
The report further pointed to broader regulatory lapses that have allowed these vehicles to dominate parts of the commercial transport sector. It found that many are imported illegally, converted by unqualified individuals, and registered without proper inspection, despite often being classified as private vehicles.
Dr Ayetor warned that thousands of such vehicles are currently in operation, posing serious safety threats due to inadequate oversight and enforcement.
In its conclusion, the committee stated that Toyota Voxy vehicles, particularly those modified without proper regulation and used beyond their intended purpose, present an unacceptable risk to road users.
To address the issue, the committee has called for stricter enforcement of regulations, including banning the importation of right-hand drive vehicles, tightening controls on vehicle conversions, and stopping the registration of such vehicles for commercial use.
Source: 3news
