The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has warned that Toyota Voxy vehicles are unsuitable for long-distance or commercial passenger transport, citing significant safety risks associated with their use on inter-city routes.
Speaking at a report presentation in Accra, NRSA Director-General Abraham Amaliba stated that the vehicles, originally designed for urban family use, were not manufactured for left-hand drive conditions in Ghana. “If there is one message the public should take away, it is that Toyota Voxy vehicles are not meant for long-distance travel. They are designed for intra-city use,” he said.
The announcement followed a technical committee review led by automobile engineer Dr. Godwin Kafui Ayetor, which examined the engineering integrity, safety, and suitability of Voxy vehicles for commercial passenger operations. The study found that structural modifications for left-hand drive conversions, often conducted locally by unstandardized artisans, compromised vehicle stability and safety.
The committee also highlighted regulatory lapses, including the Ghana Revenue Authority, Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority, and Ghana Standards Authority, which allowed imported right-hand drive Voxys to be converted and registered for commercial use without proper oversight.
Over 7,257 Voxy vehicles currently operate in Ghana without evidence of ministerial approval, violating Section 58 of the Customs Act, 2015. The committee attributed crashes to multiple factors, including unsafe modifications, driver inexperience, and economic pressures.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Alexander Kwaku Obeng confirmed that the Ghana Police Service would collaborate with NRSA to enforce restrictions, ensuring Voxys are limited to intra-city operations.
DVLA Weija District Manager Samuel Owusu-Kwarteng assured that registration processes will now prevent Voxys from being used commercially.
The move is part of a broader effort to curb accidents and safeguard lives on Ghana’s roads, reinforcing the principle that not all vehicles are suitable for all transport purposes.
