Transport minister urges action against rickety vehicles on roads

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  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, October 3rd 2025 at 19:42 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

Ghana’s Transport Minister Calls for a Crackdown on “Rickety” Vehicles to Curb Road Accidents

In a sharp warning to motorists, Ghana’s Minister for Transport, Prof. Kwame Asafu‑Adjei, has urged the government to take decisive action against poorly maintained and “rickety” vehicles that are littering the country’s road network. Speaking at a press conference in Accra on 21 April 2024, the minister highlighted the mounting safety concerns posed by vehicles that fail to meet basic structural and mechanical standards. He called on the Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the Ghana Road Safety Authority (GRA) and the Ministry of the Interior, to tighten enforcement and remove unsafe vehicles from public roads.

Why the Minister is Taking a Hard Line

The minister’s remarks were prompted by a surge in road‑traffic incidents involving defective vehicles. According to a recent GRA report, there were 5,312 reported road‑traffic crashes in 2023, resulting in 2,107 injuries and 485 fatalities. Of those incidents, a significant portion involved vehicles that had been found to have serious safety deficiencies – ranging from broken steering columns to overloaded cargo that compromised vehicle balance.

“Every day, families are hurt or killed because the vehicle they use on the road has been neglected or poorly maintained,” Prof. Asafu‑Adjei said. “The Ministry’s duty is not only to regulate the industry but also to protect the lives of our citizens.” He cited examples such as broken rear‑view mirrors, cracked windshields, and malfunctioning braking systems as common issues that are often overlooked during registration and inspection processes.

Current Regulatory Framework

The Ministry of Transport operates under the Road Traffic Act of 2009, which sets out vehicle registration requirements and safety standards. Vehicles must undergo periodic inspections at licensed Vehicle Inspection Centres (VICs) to confirm compliance with safety and environmental norms. However, the minister noted that enforcement has been uneven, especially on rural highways where inspections are less frequent and local authorities may be understaffed.

“While the law is clear, the reality on the ground shows gaps in implementation,” he said. “We are looking at ways to close those gaps, ensuring that every vehicle on the road is safe, road‑worthy, and compliant with national standards.”

Proposed Actions

Prof. Asafu‑Adjei outlined several key measures the Ministry intends to adopt over the coming months:

1. Enhanced Inspection Frequency
   The ministry will increase the number of vehicle inspections conducted by the GRA and the National Road Safety Authority. Targeted blitz inspections will be scheduled in high‑risk zones, such as the Accra‑Tema expressway and the Kumasi‑Kumasi Bypass.

2. Suspension of Registration for Unsafe Vehicles
   Vehicles found non‑compliant will have their registration temporarily suspended until they undergo necessary repairs. The ministry will work with the GRA to expedite repair permits for owners.

3. Public Awareness Campaigns
   A nationwide media campaign will educate drivers and transport operators on the importance of vehicle maintenance. Partnerships with local radio stations, community leaders, and transport unions will be leveraged to reach a broad audience.

4. Collaboration with Transport Unions
   The ministry will collaborate with unions representing bus and taxi operators to ensure that operators adhere to safety guidelines and that their fleets receive routine maintenance.

5. Legal Reform and Penalties
   In consultation with the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Transport plans to propose amendments to the Road Traffic Act that would impose stiffer penalties for operators who repeatedly ignore safety requirements. Fines could be increased, and repeated offenders could face license revocation.

The Role of the Ghana Road Safety Authority

The GRA, responsible for maintaining road safety data and enforcing vehicle standards, will play a pivotal role in implementing the minister’s directives. Mr. Nii Adjei, GRA Chief Executive Officer, expressed support for the minister’s plans. “The GRA will work closely with the Ministry to improve inspection coverage and ensure that our enforcement mechanisms are robust and transparent,” he said.

The GRA also reported that it had been working on a new digital platform that would allow vehicle owners to schedule inspections and receive real‑time feedback on safety compliance. The platform is expected to launch later this year and is expected to reduce administrative delays.

Public Response

The minister’s call to action was met with mixed reactions. Transport operators, who argue that vehicle inspections are costly and time‑consuming, expressed concern over the economic impact of stricter enforcement. A representative from the Ghana Bus and Taxi Operators’ Union said, “While we understand the need for safety, the cost of upgrading our fleets to meet new standards is a challenge for many small operators.”

Conversely, many road users welcomed the minister’s stance. A local taxi driver in Accra said, “If my vehicle is unsafe, I’m putting passengers in danger. I would like to see more checks, even if it means paying a bit more for maintenance.”

The Ghana Chamber of Commerce, the Ghanaian Chamber of Transport, and other industry bodies have called for a balanced approach that protects public safety without placing undue burden on businesses.

Looking Ahead

The Ghanaian government’s focus on road safety reflects a broader trend across the African continent. In 2023, the African Union launched the “Road Safety Initiative” to reduce traffic fatalities by 50% by 2030. Ghana’s new measures align with this continental agenda and showcase the country’s commitment to safer roads.

The minister emphasized that the road safety issue is not merely an administrative challenge but a moral one. “We cannot ignore the cries of families who lose loved ones on our highways,” he said. “The government must do more, do it faster, and do it with resolve.”

The Ministry of Transport will publish a detailed policy brief outlining the new enforcement protocols in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, the GRA will roll out an updated inspection schedule and a public reporting portal for incident data. As Ghana embarks on this renewed push for safer roads, the eyes of the nation – and of the African Union – will be watching closely.

Key Takeaways

• Prof. Kwame Asafu‑Adjei has called for stricter action against poorly maintained vehicles.
• The Ministry plans to increase inspections, suspend registrations for unsafe vehicles, and collaborate with transport unions.
• The Ghana Road Safety Authority will be pivotal in implementing these measures.
• The public and industry responses range from support to concerns over economic impact.
• Ghana’s move aligns with the African Union’s Road Safety Initiative, aiming for a significant reduction in road fatalities.