Concerns are mounting within Ghana’s transport sector as drivers and industry players warn of potential job losses following a planned restriction on the use of Toyota Voxy buses for long-distance travel.
At the centre of the debate are drivers, many of them young people, who say the proposed directive by the National Road Safety Authority could threaten their only source of livelihood. Several affected drivers, speaking in Agona Swedru, described the possible ban as devastating, noting that they depend entirely on the work to support their families.
“We have been trained and we drive carefully,” some drivers said, insisting that they possess the competence to operate safely over long distances.
Backing their concerns, Paul Kofi Assan, Chief Executive Officer of Peace Transport Services, has called on government and regulators to reconsider the decision. He argued that while safety remains critical, a blanket ban could worsen unemployment and create additional social challenges.
Mr Assan highlighted measures already being implemented within his company to enhance road safety. These include the installation of tracking systems across its fleet to monitor driver behaviour, particularly speeding, as well as systems that allow passengers to report misconduct.
He further explained that the company runs continuous education programmes for drivers at lorry stations, focusing on responsible driving practices such as avoiding over-speeding, dangerous overtaking, substance abuse, and other risky behaviours.
According to him, such proactive steps demonstrate that transport operators are capable of enforcing safety standards without necessarily removing vehicles from long-distance operations.
Beyond safety concerns, Mr Assan pointed to the broader economic impact of the sector, noting that transport companies contribute to national development through job creation and tax payments that support infrastructure and public services.
The proposed ban has therefore ignited a wider conversation about how best to balance road safety with economic sustainability, as industry stakeholders urge authorities to explore alternative solutions that protect both lives and livelihoods.
