The National Roads and Highways Authority (NRSA) is set to implement a mandatory towing subscription policy for all vehicle owners in Ghana, as part of a broader initiative to enhance road safety and reduce traffic congestion caused by abandoned vehicles.
The Managing Director of the NRSA, Abraham Amaliba, made the announcement on the Citi Breakfast Show on Wednesday, stating that the measure will be included in a new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) currently in development.
The L.I. will also cover the long-anticipated legalisation of commercial motorbike operations, commonly known as Okada.
“There is a variant of the towing law that was introduced but was later suspended. The new development will ensure that vehicle owners must subscribe to a towing company or insurance,” Amaliba said.
“Unlike the previous plan, which raised concerns about monopolies in the towing industry, this new model will give vehicle owners options while ensuring accountability.”
Amaliba noted that under the proposed system, vehicle owners who fail to subscribe will be penalised. In such cases, the NRSA will tow the vehicle and charge the owner a surcharge for the service.
“This will help reduce the number of vehicles left broken down on roads, especially during rush hours, which have become a growing source of public concern,” he added.
As part of the policy, the NRSA will accredit selected towing service providers, allowing road users to subscribe to the provider of their choice. Amaliba said this move is aimed at promoting efficiency and fairness in the provision of towing services nationwide.
“When that is passed, every owner must subscribe to the towing company or insurance company so that when your vehicle breaks down, you just call your subscriber to come to your aid,” he explained.
The introduction of the policy comes amid increasing reports of vehicles abandoned on major roads, often leading to accidents and long delays in traffic.
