A group of Ghanaian businessmen in Japan has launched a scathing critique of the National Road Safety Authority’s (NRSA) decision to ban Toyota Voxy vehicles from commercial transport operations in Ghana, labelling it a “lazy and ill-conceived approach” that fails to address the root causes of road traffic accidents.

Led by Michael Awuah and Nana Alhaji Mohammed Razak Abdul, the businessmen argue that the ban unfairly targets a reliable vehicle model, threatening the livelihoods of thousands of drivers and transport operators who rely on the Voxy for their daily income.

Citing Japan’s experience with the Toyota Voxy, they highlight the vehicle’s durability and suitability for long-distance travel. “The car is used extensively for long journeys across Japan without issue,” Michael Awuah stated. “To suggest that the vehicle itself is the problem is a misunderstanding of how transport systems work.”

The duo urged the NRSA to focus on evidence-based interventions, prioritising driver education, training programmes, and road safety seminars over vehicle bans.

“The NRSA needs to stop taking the path of least resistance,” Nana Alhaji Mohammed Razak Abdul added.

“They should be shifting their focus towards robust driver education, mandatory training programmes, and the organisation of regular road safety seminars. Improving driving standards is the only way to genuinely save lives on our roads.”

They also emphasised the need to address Ghana’s poor road infrastructure, including inadequate signage, lack of lighting, and potholes, which they say are the primary factors contributing to accidents.

The businessmen called on the NRSA to halt the ban and engage with industry stakeholders to develop a more effective transport policy that balances road safety with the needs of commuters and transport operators.

The NRSA’s decision has sparked concerns about its potential impact on the transport sector, with the businessmen warning that it could lead to job losses and increased poverty among transport operators.

As the debate continues, stakeholders are calling for a more nuanced approach to road safety that addresses the complex issues driving accidents in Ghana.