National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has reported a sharp increase in the importation of Toyota Voxy vehicles into Ghana, raising fresh safety concerns over their growing use in commercial transport.

According to a technical report submitted on April 8, 2026, a total of 3,570 Toyota Voxy vehicles were registered between January and February alone—nearly matching the 3,687 units recorded for the whole of 2025.

The report noted that although only 34% of these vehicles are officially registered for commercial use, there is widespread evidence that many privately registered Voxy vehicles are being used for passenger transport.

The NRSA expressed concern over this trend, citing safety risks associated with the vehicle’s design and usage. It referenced official communication from Toyota Tsusho Corporation, which states that models such as the HiAce, GranAce, and Coaster are specifically designed for commercial passenger transport.

In contrast, the Toyota Voxy is designed as a family minivan for middle-class users, with a ground clearance of 150mm—lower than the 185mm clearance of the HiAce, a feature considered more suitable for long-distance travel and rough road conditions.

Despite these limitations, some drivers have modified Voxy vehicles by installing longer suspension struts and larger tyres to improve ground clearance.

However, the NRSA warns that such modifications could compromise safety, particularly on Ghana’s highways where commercial vehicles are subjected to heavier loads and challenging road conditions.

The Authority maintains that these risks informed its decision to ban the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport.