The Chief Executive Officer of MaxGo Autos, Maxwell Opoku Agyemang, has raised alarm over the increasing importation of defective and obsolete vehicles into Ghana, describing the trend as a major contributor to fatal road accidents.

In an interview with Asona Dehyeɛ Kwarteng, Mr Agyemang called on government and transport sector stakeholders to enforce strict quality control measures, including mandatory testing of all imported vehicles before they are cleared for use.

He expressed concern about vehicles imported from countries where driving is on the right, explaining that such cars are often converted to left-hand drive to meet Ghanaian standards—a process he said compromises their structural integrity.

“Most of these cars lose their strength after the steering wheel is moved, making them extremely weak and dangerous, especially for commercial use,” he cautioned.

Mr Agyemang also highlighted concerns about vehicles imported from China, alleging that many are outdated models that have already been phased out from use in their country of origin.

He attributed the situation to the actions of some importers who, driven by profit, acquire these vehicles at low cost and resell them locally without adequate regard for safety.

“When you combine the age of these vehicles with the weaknesses caused by steering conversions, you end up with cars that are unfit for our roads and weather conditions,” he said.

The MaxGo Autos CEO specifically referenced the Toyota Voxy and similar models, which he noted have been linked to a number of fatal accidents in recent times.

He warned that many drivers treat such vehicles as high-performance cars, despite their compromised condition.

“There is an urgent need to consult experts to avoid these tragedies.

Many of these vehicles have not been properly tested for Ghanaian terrain,” he added.

Mr Agyemang urged authorities to prioritise road safety by removing unsafe vehicles from circulation and enforcing stricter import regulations.

He also advised prospective car buyers to seek professional guidance before purchasing vehicles, noting that industry experts can help assess quality and ensure proper maintenance.

“It is heartbreaking that negligence is leading to avoidable deaths.

We must prioritise safety by ensuring only roadworthy vehicles are allowed on our roads,” he stressed.