The Ghana Standards Authority is preparing to introduce new regulations aimed at bringing greater oversight to vehicle conversion garages across the country.
The move comes as authorities intensify efforts to clamp down on unapproved workshops operating without proper accreditation, amid rising safety concerns.
Safety Concerns Over Vehicle Conversions
The renewed focus follows concerns surrounding vehicles such as the Toyota Voxy, many of which have been converted from right-hand drive to left-hand drive under questionable conditions.
According to Kwasi Agyenim-Boateng of the National Road Safety Authority, the issue became evident during a government-led review into the safety of such vehicles.
The findings revealed that numerous garages are carrying out conversions without formal approval or monitoring.
“We have the Vehicle Standardisation Committee… but after this Voxy issue, we have realised that a lot of unaccredited garages are operating without checks,” he stated.
Lack of Standards Raises Safety Questions
Authorities say the absence of a unified standard for vehicle conversion is a major concern.
Without clear guidelines, questions remain about how garages measure the safety and quality of their work.
“Even those who do the conversion, by what standards do they measure it? What yardstick do they use?” he asked.
This gap has raised broader concerns about the roadworthiness of converted vehicles currently in use.
New Regulations to Improve Accountability
To address the issue, the Ghana Standards Authority is working to introduce specific standards that will regulate how vehicle conversions are carried out.
The proposed framework is expected to:
- Improve safety compliance
- Ensure proper accreditation of garages
- Enhance traceability in the event of accidents
“In future, there will be standards… so in case of a crash, we can trace the specific garage responsible,” he explained.
Clarification on Long-Distance Travel Rules
Authorities also used the opportunity to remind the public about existing road safety regulations.
Under Road Traffic Regulations, L.I. 2180, any journey exceeding 100 kilometres is classified as long-distance travel.
This classification has implications for vehicle suitability and safety requirements on Ghana’s roads.
NRSA Advisory on Converted Vehicles
The National Road Safety Authority recently issued a public advisory cautioning against the use of converted Toyota Voxy vehicles for long-distance travel.
The warning follows findings by a technical working group investigating safety risks associated with both the conversion process and vehicle performance.
Multi-Agency Response Underway
As part of a broader response, the NRSA is collaborating with several institutions, including:
- Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority
- Ghana Standards Authority
- Ghana Revenue Authority
- National Insurance Commission
- Motor Traffic and Transport Department
The collaboration aims to strengthen enforcement, improve safety standards, and ensure accountability across the vehicle conversion sector.
The Bigger Picture: Strengthening Road Safety in Ghana
The push for stricter regulation reflects growing concerns about road safety and the need for standardised practices in vehicle modification.
With increasing numbers of converted vehicles on Ghana’s roads, authorities say establishing clear guidelines and enforcement mechanisms will be critical to reducing risks and protecting road users.
