The National Roads and Safety Authority (NRSA) has raised concerns over the widespread use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial passenger transport, warning that the minivan is ill-suited for long-distance journeys on Ghanaian roads.

According to the NRSA’s technical report submitted on April 8, 2026, 3,570 Voxy vehicles were registered in just the first two months of the year, a figure nearly matching the 3,687 units registered throughout 2025.

While only 34% of these vehicles are officially commercial, field observations confirm that many privately registered Voxy vans are carrying passengers for hire.

The NRSA highlights that Toyota Tsusho Corporation designs the Voxy primarily as a family minivan, not a commercial vehicle. The model has a ground clearance of 150mm, significantly lower than the 185mm clearance of the HiAce, which is designed for long-distance passenger transport.

“Lower ground clearance makes vehicles more vulnerable to damage and instability on uneven roads,” the report notes.

Many drivers have attempted to modify their Voxy vans with longer struts and larger tyres to improve clearance. However, the NRSA warns that such modifications can compromise vehicle stability and safety, particularly over Ghana’s often challenging highways.

The authority concluded that the Voxy’s design limitations make it unfit for long journeys and advised against its use for commercial passenger transport, prompting a ban for such purposes.