The Director-General of the National Road Safety Authority, Abraham Amaliba, has revealed that drivers whose vehicles break down in major city centres will be required to arrange towing within 30 minutes under a new road safety policy expected to accompany the implementation of the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

Speaking on JoyNews'The Law on Sunday, March 15, Dr. Amaliba explained that the policy will make it mandatory for every vehicle owner to subscribe to a towing service, similar to the way motorists already subscribe to insurance.

According to him, the policy is aimed at preventing broken-down vehicles from causing traffic congestion and road hazards, particularly in busy urban areas.

“If your car breaks down in the city centre, within 30 minutes you must call your towing company,” he said. “The law is going to make it mandatory for every car owner to subscribe to a towing company or through an insurance company.”

He explained that motorists will register with a towing provider or an insurance company that offers towing services, ensuring assistance can be deployed quickly when vehicles develop faults on the road.

Dr. Amaliba indicated that discussions have already been held with the National Insurance Commission, and many insurance companies are preparing to provide towing services as part of their packages.

“I’ve had discussions with the NIC boss, and she says the insurance companies are ready. Some have already acquired towing vehicles,” he noted.

The NRSA Director-General added that although the policy may appear new to the public, preparations have been ongoing behind the scenes to ensure a smooth rollout once the legislation takes full effect.

The policy forms part of broader reforms contained in the amended road traffic law, which also introduces new safety and regulatory measures on Ghana’s roads.

The Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill, 2025, widely known as the Okada Law, seeks to modernise Ghana’s transport regulations.

Once assented to by John Dramani Mahama and officially gazetted, the law will legalise the commercial use of motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles for passenger transport, while also updating the Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683).

The amendments further introduce new alcohol limits for drivers, enhanced vehicle safety standards, and additional regulations aimed at improving safety and organisation within Ghana’s transport sector.