The Ashanti Regional Director of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Kwesi Agyenim Boateng, has flagged the conversion of Toyota Voxy vehicles from right-hand drive to left-hand drive as a major safety concern.
In an interview with Opemsuo Radio’s Kofi Boakye on Nkwantannaso, Mr. Agyenim Boateng explained that findings from a technical committee point to safety risks associated with the conversion.
He noted that under Ghana’s Customs Act, 2015 (Act 891), individuals seeking to import and convert right-hand drive vehicles are required to obtain express permission from the Minister.
In addition, road traffic regulations mandate that such vehicles must have the appropriate permits before they can be used on the roads.
“There have been breaches across several agencies responsible for enforcing these regulations when it comes to the importation and conversion of such vehicles,” he stated.
Mr. Agyenim Boateng further explained that the technical committee, made up of representatives from institutions including the Ministry of Transport, DVLA, Motor Traffic and Transport Department, Ghana Standards Authority, Toyota Ghana, the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council, conducted a broad-based assessment of the issue.
He added that a key concern raised by the committee is that Toyota does not recommend the conversion of the Voxy model, as it was not originally designed for such modifications.
“The vehicle was not built to be converted, and that raises serious safety concerns, especially for long-distance and commercial use,” he said.
The NRSA indicated that these findings will guide upcoming stakeholder consultations, as authorities work towards a final decision on the use of such vehicles.
Mr. Agyenim Boateng emphasised that the ultimate goal is to ensure public safety and compliance with existing regulations governing vehicle importation and usage in the country.
Source:
opemsuo.com