The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has declared Toyota Voxy vehicles illegal for commercial passenger transport in Ghana, citing serious safety concerns linked to their design and widespread unregulated modifications.
The directive follows a detailed investigation by a Technical Working Committee, which found that many of these vehicles have been converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive and repurposed for commercial use—practices that significantly compromise their safety.
Presenting the committee’s report in Accra on Wednesday, April 8, Chairman Godwin Kafui Ayetor warned that the growing use of these modified vehicles poses a major threat to passenger safety across the country.
According to him, the manufacturer of the Toyota Voxy clarified that the vehicle was originally designed as a family minivan for moderate use, not for the high demands of commercial transport.
“The Toyota Voxy is intended for young middle-class families and not for commercial passenger use. It is not designed for high mileage and is best suited for use on paved roads,” he explained.
The committee noted that the risks are further heightened when the vehicles are used for long-distance travel or on rough terrain, conditions that are common in Ghana’s transport system.
A key concern raised in the report is the extent of structural modifications carried out on these vehicles. Many operators reportedly alter suspension systems, change tyres, and raise the height of the vehicles—often without proper authorisation or technical expertise.
“As part of the conversion, the suspension is altered and the vehicle is raised. The tyres are also changed, but the original tyres are not designed for high payload or long-distance usage,” Dr Ayetor added.
Beyond the technical flaws, the committee also identified significant regulatory lapses that have allowed such vehicles to be imported, modified, and deployed for commercial purposes without adequate oversight.
“We observed a systemic regulatory breakdown, which has led to the proliferation of these conversions. These vehicles are often unlawfully imported, improperly converted, and used as commercial transport, posing serious safety risks,” he stated.
The NRSA estimates that thousands of such vehicles may already be operating on Ghana’s roads without meeting the required safety standards.
In its final determination, the committee concluded that the continued use of modified Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport presents an unacceptable risk to public safety.
As part of its recommendations, the NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of road safety regulations, a ban on the importation of right-hand drive vehicles, tighter controls on vehicle modifications, and an immediate halt to the registration of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial use.
The Authority also emphasised the need for increased public education and regulatory reforms to prevent the misuse of private vehicles in the transport sector.
The move is expected to have a significant impact on parts of Ghana’s commercial transport industry, where the Toyota Voxy has become a popular choice due to its affordability and availability, despite growing concerns over safety.
