The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) is pushing for a new law that would require all vehicle owners in Ghana to subscribe to a towing service. This is part of a broader plan to improve road safety and ensure that broken-down vehicles do not get abandoned on roads, causing congestion and accidents.
According to Acting Director-General Abraham Amaliba, no vehicle will be allowed on public roads unless it is registered with a certified towing service provider.
“When the law is passed, every owner of a vehicle must subscribe to a towing service or an insurance company so that when there is a breakdown, you just call your subscriber to come to your aid,” Mr. Amaliba said in an interview with Citi FM on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.
He explained that abandoned cars have become a major safety concern. Some vehicles remain stranded for days, blocking traffic and increasing the risk of collisions.
How the system would work
Under the proposal, if a private towing service does not arrive within 30 to 45 minutes, the NRSA will step in to tow the vehicle at the owner’s expense.
“The state would also be in readiness to ensure that after a number of minutes, sometimes 30 or 45—if the private towing services don’t come, then Road Safety would move in to tow it. But at a cost to the owner,” he emphasized.
Why this law matters for road safety
Abandoned vehicles are contributing to the spate of accidents nationwide. According to the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA), Ghana recorded 7,470 road crashes involving 12,678 vehicles between January and July 2024. These accidents led to 1,405 deaths and 8,560 injuries, marking a 13% increase in fatalities compared to the previous year.
According to experts, abandoned vehicles contribute to these incidents, especially on highways. The Accra-Kumasi Highway, Accra-Aflao Route, and Tema Motorway are known hotspots for accidents caused by stalled cars.
By making towing services mandatory, the NRSA hopes to reduce road obstructions, prevent accidents, and improve overall traffic flow.
