The Toyota Voxy, which had become the “go-to” vehicle for travelers heading to the Bono, North East, and Western Central regions, was widely praised for its speed and air-conditioned comfort.

It quickly dominated Ghana’s transport space. However, according to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), behind the comfort lies a “ticking time bomb.”

Following a damning technical report released on April 8, 2026, the NRSA officially banned the Toyota Voxy from all commercial passenger operations.

Here are four key reasons the Toyota Voxy was banned:

1. The 'Left-Hand' Engineering Trap

In Ghana, we drive on the right side of the road, meaning our steering wheels must be on the left. The problem? Toyota only makes the Voxy for the Japanese market as a Right-Hand Drive vehicle.

The Issue: About 90% of Voxys in Ghana have undergone "backyard surgery" to move the steering wheel from right to left.

The Risk: Local artisans often cut and join wires (splicing) and alter the steering and braking systems. Toyota has officially refused to support these conversions, warning that they compromise the car's safety.

2. A Family Car, Not a Highway Bus

The Voxy was designed as a "lifestyle" minivan for families to drive around town, not for the high-stress, high-speed demands of the Accra-Kumasi highway.

Ground Clearance: The Voxy sits at just 150mm off the ground. Compare that to the Toyota HiAce, which sits at 185mm.

Dangerous Modifications: To keep the car from hitting bumps on our highways, drivers often install "spacers" or larger tires. This makes the car top-heavy and very likely to somersault during a sharp turn.

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3. 'Bloody' Statistics

The numbers don't lie. While the Voxy makes up a tiny fraction of cars in Ghana, it is causing massive damage in specific areas.

In the Bono Region, the Voxy is responsible for 14.6% of all road crashes.

Economic Pressure: Drivers are reportedly tasked with "sales" targets of GH₵3,500 to GH₵4,000 a week. To meet this, they drive at "jet speeds," leading to a fatality rate that hit an all-time high in 2025.

4. Massive Regulatory Failures

How did we get here? The report points to a complete breakdown of law enforcement.

Customs: Over 7,000 of these illegal vehicles were allowed into the country.

DVLA: The authority has been registering these converted cars as "Private," even though everyone knows they are being used for "Commercial" work.

Police (MTTD): Lack of enforcement has allowed these vehicles to load passengers at lorry parks without any interference.

Government bans use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport

The Verdict: What happens now?

The NRSA isn't just talking; they have laid out a strict plan for the next six months:

Intra-city Only: Commercial Voxys are now banned from long-distance trips. They can only operate as short-distance taxis within a single city.

Arrest and Impound: The Police have been ordered to sanction any driver using a "Private" plate to carry commercial passengers.

No More Registration: The DVLA will stop registering any newly converted RHD-to-LHD vehicles.

SO/EB

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