Drivers of the Toyota Voxy in the Ashanti Region have criticised the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) over a proposed ban on the vehicle’s use for commercial transport.

The backlash follows advice from the NRSA’s technical committee to government to prohibit the Voxy from operating as a commercial vehicle, citing concerns that it was not designed to carry heavy passenger loads or undertake long-distance travel like conventional public buses.

However, some drivers, speaking to Kumasi FM’s Elisha Adarkwah, argued that road crashes are largely caused by driver behaviour and poor road conditions rather than the type of vehicle used.

They pointed to factors such as overspeeding, dangerous overtaking, and indiscipline among some drivers as the main contributors to accidents, insisting that targeting the Voxy vehicle alone would not address the root cause of the problem.

According to them, allowing the vehicle for private use while banning it for commercial purposes would have little impact on road safety outcomes.

Instead, the drivers are calling for stricter regulation, improved driver training, and enhanced public education on road safety as more effective measures.

They also highlighted the role of the Voxy in easing transportation challenges and providing employment opportunities for many Ghanaians.

Prince Charles Goin, National Patron of the King Jesus Transport Union, echoed these concerns, urging the government to reconsider the proposed ban and adopt more practical, long-term solutions to improve road safety.