– but 7,000 are already on the road
-Safety concerns trigger commercial use prohibition, import stop, and garage closures
By Philip Antoh
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has announced a ban on the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport. Director‑General Abraham Amaliba cited findings from a Technical Working Group that assessed converted Voxy models currently operating as taxis. The verdict: serious safety issues.
A detailed directive is expected within two weeks, but the decision is already final. The NRSA will also stop the importation of both Toyota Voxy and Toyota Vitz models, working with the Customs Division. Garages that convert right‑hand drive vehicles to left‑hand drive face closure, and those responsible could face legal action.
An investigative report found that nearly 7,000 Toyota Voxy vehicles have already entered the country. That is a substantial fleet. The ban does not address what happens to those vehicles or the livelihoods of operators who have invested in them. In the meantime, the NRSA advises operators to restrict the Voxy to short‑distance trips a temporary measure that will be difficult to enforce.
Alexander Obeng of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) confirmed that the Police will work with relevant agencies to stop these vehicles at the ports. But the ports are one choke point. The roads are another.
The New Republic notes that road safety is a legitimate concern. But a ban without a clear plan for existing vehicles and their operators risks creating a black market or widespread non‑compliance. The NRSA has two weeks to produce a workable implementation strategy. Until then, 7,000 Voxys will keep moving legally or not.