True Drivers Union: Ghana Road Traffic Regulations Implementation Questioned

• The True Drivers Union questions the National Road Safety Authority's readiness to implement new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), on November 1, 2026.
• The union alleges selective enforcement, specifically regarding trading prohibitions versus driver parking bans, deeming it unfair.
• Concerns were raised about the severe lack of designated government rest stops required by Regulation 143 for commercial drivers.
• The True Drivers Union claims commercial drivers were not adequately consulted during the drafting of the regulations, leading to symbolic engagements.
• They are calling for a suspension of the November 1, 2026, implementation date, genuine consultation, and the provision of critical infrastructure before enforcement begins.

Lawyers advising transport and logistics companies in Ghana should monitor the National Road Safety Authority's response to the True Drivers Union's concerns regarding the feasibility and selective enforcement of the new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), particularly regarding the November 1, 2026, implementation date, to anticipate potential delays or challenges in compliance and advise clients accordingly on their obligations.

The True Drivers Union (TDU) has expressed significant skepticism regarding the National Road Safety Authority's (NRSA) preparedness to implement new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), particularly questioning the feasibility of the November 1, 2026, enforcement date. Yaw Barimah, the Public Relations Officer for the TDU, asserted that the NRSA is not ready for comprehensive enforcement and appears to be adopting a selective approach to the new Legislative Instrument (L.I. 2519). He firmly believes the proposed implementation date will require rescheduling to address outstanding issues.

Mr. Barimah further elaborated on the perceived unfairness of the NRSA's strategy, suggesting that the authority is prioritizing certain aspects of the new True Drivers Union Ghana Road Traffic Regulations while overlooking others. This selective enforcement, according to the union, creates an uneven playing field for commercial drivers. A foundational concern raised by the TDU is the alleged lack of genuine consultation with key stakeholders, which they argue has led to a significant disconnect between regulators and the driving community.

Specific provisions within the new Ghana Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), have drawn sharp criticism from the True Drivers Union. Yaw Barimah specifically highlighted the NRSA's intention to enforce Regulation 242, which prohibits unauthorized parking by drivers, while allegedly neglecting Regulation 142. This latter regulation explicitly bans trading activities on roads, at bus stops, on pedestrian walkways, at former toll booths, and along railway lines. The union argues that this selective Regulation 142 Ghana enforcement is discriminatory, asserting that widespread roadside trading is a primary contributor to traffic congestion and pedestrian accidents, issues that should be resolved before drivers are penalized for parking violations often necessitated by a lack of available space.

Further concerns were raised regarding Regulation 143 Ghana driver rest stops, which mandates commercial drivers to take a compulsory break at designated government facilities after every four hours of continuous driving. Barimah pointed out the severe lack of such essential infrastructure across the country, citing major routes like Accra to Paga and Kumasi to Accra as examples where these facilities are non-existent. The True Drivers Union contends that enforcing this particular rule without first providing the necessary rest stops would inevitably lead to drivers failing to comply, effectively setting them up for penalties due to systemic deficiencies rather than willful disregard.

The True Drivers Union's PRO asserted that the engagement process with commercial drivers, who are crucial stakeholders in road safety, has been largely superficial. He characterized the NRSA's consultations as merely symbolic, often involving photo opportunities rather than substantive discussions about the Ghana Legislative Instrument Road Traffic, 2026 (L.I. 2519). This perceived lack of genuine dialogue, according to Barimah, erodes trust within the driving community and hinders a full understanding of the regulations' intent and operational aspects, contributing significantly to Ghana road safety implementation challenges.

In light of these perceived shortcomings, the union has strongly urged the NRSA to postpone the November 1, 2026, implementation date. They advocate for a return to the consultation table, emphasizing the critical need for a holistic enforcement of the law. Furthermore, the True Drivers Union insists that essential infrastructure, including designated rest stops and proper bus terminals, must be established and made available before the new regulations are actively enforced across the nation.

The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has publicly articulated that the new Ghana National Road Safety Authority regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), are designed with clear objectives: to enhance road discipline, significantly reduce the incidence of traffic accidents, and streamline road usage for all stakeholders. However, the strong objections voiced by the True Drivers Union underscore potential hurdles in achieving these stated goals, particularly if key industry participants feel their concerns are unheard or if the practicalities of compliance are not adequately addressed.

Lawyers advising transport and logistics companies in Ghana should monitor the National Road Safety Authority's response to the True Drivers Union's concerns regarding the feasibility and selective enforcement of the new Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), particularly regarding the November 1, 2026, implementation date, to anticipate potential delays or challenges in compliance and advise clients accordingly on their obligations.

Lawyers advising transport and logistics companies in Ghana should monitor the National Road Safety Authority's response to the True Drivers Union's concerns regarding the feasibility and selective enforcement of the new Road Traffic Regulations, particularly regarding the November 1 implementation date, to anticipate potential delays or challenges in compliance and advise clients accordingly on their obligations.

Source: Original reporting via Francis Mensah