Drivers Take Umbrage Over New Road Towing Charges

The John Mahama-led National Democratic Congress (NDC) government is preparing to implement a compulsory road towing policy as part of a broader revision of Ghana’s road safety and transport regulations.  

However, the proposal has sparked concern among transport and logistics stakeholders, particularly commercial drivers.

Some operators argue that the additional cost could place further financial strain on drivers already facing rising fuel prices, high spare parts costs, roadworthy fees, and frequent maintenance expenses attributed partly to road conditions.

Across the length and breadth of the country, transport unions and driver associations are calling for broader consultations, urging Parliament both Majority and Minority members to review the financial implications of the policy before its implementation. Some have warned that without adequate stakeholder engagement, the policy could face resistance from commercial transport operators.

The proposed law forms part of an amended Road Traffic and Road Safety framework aimed at improving road discipline, reducing congestion caused by broken-down vehicles, and modernising transport management systems in the country.

Interestingly, the same NDC when in Opposition campaigned heavily against the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government when it attempted to implement the same policy, forcing the NPP to abandon it midway.

Meanwhile, it was the NDC that mooted the idea of compulsory road towing when they were in office between 2012 and 2016, but they prevented the NPP from implementing it this is shear wickedness.

According to officials from the National Road Safety Authority, the policy would require vehicle owners to either subscribe to a registered towing service or acquire insurance packages that include towing benefits. Authorities say the measure is intended to ensure faster removal of disabled vehicles from roads and enhance overall traffic flow.

The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba, has confirmed that the reform is part of ongoing legislative updates to strengthen road safety enforcement and improve emergency response mechanisms on major highways.

 Source: New Crusading GUIDE