Abraham Amaliba, Director General of the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), provided new insights on the upcoming regulations surrounding vehicle towing and collaboration with other key institutions to enhance road safety in Ghana.
Speaking on A1 Radio’s Day Break Upper East Show, Amaliba explained that the forthcoming Legislative Instrument (LI), which will legalize ‘Okada’ operations, will also introduce new vehicle towing procedures. Under the proposed law, vehicle owners will be required to subscribe to a towing company or pay for insurance coverage that includes towing services.
“If this LI passes, it will mandate that every vehicle owner subscribe to a towing company or an insurance policy that covers towing,” Amaliba explained. He clarified that in the event of a breakdown, vehicle owners will be expected to contact their towing company or insurance provider for assistance. If the vehicle remains on the road for an extended period, typically 2 to 3 hours, and no towing assistance has been arranged, the NRSA will step in to tow the vehicle.
“The vehicle will be towed away, and later, we will surcharge the owner for the cost of towing,” he added, explaining that the new regulations aim to prevent vehicles from obstructing traffic and ensure swift removal to maintain road safety.
In addition to the towing regulations, Amaliba highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between various agencies to ensure general road safety. The NRSA works closely with several key institutions, including the Motor Transport and Traffic Division (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and others such as the Ghana Education Service, the Red Cross, and the Ambulance Service.
“We collaborate with all these agencies because we cannot ensure road safety alone. It’s a joint effort,” Amaliba stated. He mentioned that joint operations with the MTTD, such as on-the-spot checks and road safety sensitization campaigns, help to combine law enforcement with educational initiatives. While the police enforce traffic laws, the NRSA focuses on raising public awareness through education on safe road practices.
Amaliba stressed the importance of these partnerships, particularly with the DVLA, as they work together on several initiatives, including the enforcement of vehicle safety regulations and road safety education.
Through such collaborations, the NRSA aims to enhance the safety of all road users and create a more effective, coordinated approach to reducing accidents and improving compliance with road safety laws across the country. As the proposed laws progress through Parliament, the NRSA remains committed to ensuring that safety measures are not only enforced but also widely understood by the public.
Source: A1RadioOnline.com|101.1 MHz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
