Commercial transport operators in Ghana have rejected a directive by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) banning the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial purposes, describing the decision as harmful to their livelihoods.
In a press statement dated April 8, 2026, the group criticised the Authority’s position, arguing that a blanket ban does not effectively address road safety concerns.
“The decision to ban the Toyota Voxy for commercial purposes is a lazy and ill-conceived approach,” the operators said, urging the NRSA to reconsider and engage stakeholders within the transport sector.
They insisted that the Toyota Voxy remains a dependable and widely used vehicle among commercial drivers, warning that the directive could adversely affect many individuals and families who rely on it for income.
The operators further called on the Authority to prioritise driver education and training, including organising road safety programmes to improve driving standards. They also recommended targeted interventions in accident-prone areas and greater attention to issues such as poor road infrastructure, which they believe significantly contribute to road crashes.
The reaction comes after the NRSA declared the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport illegal, citing regulatory and safety concerns. According to the Authority, a number of these vehicles are right-hand-drive and do not comply with Ghana’s road regulations for commercial use. It also noted that many have undergone steering conversions that fail to meet approved safety standards and that the vehicles were not originally designed for commercial transport.
Despite this, the operators maintain that the directive reflects a disconnect between regulators and industry realities and have vowed to take steps to protect the interests of their members.
Read the full statement below:
PRESS RELEASE
8/4/2026
Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana Condemn NRSA’s Decision to Ban Toyota Voxy
The Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana view the National Road Safety Authority’s (NRSA) decision to ban the Toyota Voxy for commercial purposes as a lazy and ill-conceived approach to addressing road safety concerns. We strongly condemn this move and urge the NRSA to reconsider.
Rather than engaging in blanket bans, the NRSA should focus on educating drivers on road safety tips and organizing seminars to enhance their skills. The Toyota Voxy is a popular and reliable vehicle, widely used for commercial transport, and its ban will cause significant hardship for many families.
We demand that the NRSA:
– Reconsider the ban and engage with stakeholders
– Develop targeted safety measures for high-risk areas
– Prioritize driver education and training
– Address root causes of accidents, such as poor road infrastructure
This decision reflects a lack of understanding of the transport sector’s complexities. We will not support this shameful idea and will take all necessary steps to protect our members’ interests.
Signed,
Asonaba Nana wiredu.
National chairman, commercial transport operators of Ghana.
0540377307.
Ghana travel guide
David Agboado.
PRO
0541063682.
Yaw Barimah.
True drivers union.
National P.R.O
0554822565.
