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The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has announced that a mandatory vehicle towing policy will officially take effect in January 2027. This nationwide initiative is designed to address the persistent danger of abandoned and disabled vehicles on Ghana's roads, which have been identified as a major cause of fatal accidents. By enforcing the swift removal of stationary hazards, the NRSA aims to significantly improve road safety and reduce the incidence of secondary collisions caused by poorly marked breakdowns on high-speed routes.
Under the new regulations, which form part of the updated Road Traffic Regulations, all vehicle owners will be required to subscribe to a private towing service or possess valid towing insurance. To support the implementation of this policy, the NRSA is developing a specialized mobile application. The app will function similarly to popular ride-hailing services, allowing drivers to instantly locate and request assistance from the nearest authorized towing provider. This digital approach is intended to streamline the process and ensure that broken-down vehicles are cleared from the roadway within a strictly defined timeframe.
The urgency of the mandatory policy is underscored by sobering historical data. According to the NRSA, approximately 1,908 road deaths over the past 35 years could have been avoided if disabled vehicles had been promptly towed from the carriage. Despite existing traffic laws, many vehicles currently remain stationary on highways for days, creating what officials describe as "road vampires" that claim lives, particularly during nighttime. While previous attempts to introduce towing fees faced public opposition, the new model focuses on private subscriptions and insurance-led solutions. Early feedback from drivers indicates broad support for the measure, as many motorists see it as a necessary step to eliminate the life-threatening risks posed by unlit, abandoned trucks across the country's road network.