Abort towing levy now - AFAG

Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) has joined the many voices opposing the mandatory towing levy introduced by the National Road Safety Commission (NRSC).

The NRSC announced in May this year that, their intent to implement the compulsory mandate on July 1, 2017 as a means of ridding the country’s roads of broken-down vehicles that are abandoned and which cause accidents.

Following massive opposition from sections of the public and some politicians, the policy was brought before the parliamentary Select Committee of Roads and Transport.

After months of deliberations, the committee approved the implementation of the road towing levy and produced a report to that effect.

Following the recommendation for the parliamentary select committee on roads and transport, the Ghana Committed Drivers Association (GCDA) served notice of a nationwide demonstration to push for the repeal of the mandatory towing levy.

Meanwhile the Institute for Liberty & Policy Innovation (ILAPI-Ghana) has urged government to follow the appropriate process in implementing the levy.

AFAG, in a press release issued yesterday registered their displeasure at the enforcement of the policy by government, indicating their readiness to oppose it.

Below is the complete statement from AFAG

AFAG Is Opposed To Road Towing Levy

Alliance for Accountable Governance (AFAG) is shocked that the compulsory towing levy. The levy raises serious questions that Parliament and the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia government need to respond to as swiftly as possible.

The monopolisation of the implementation of the towing service, to Road Safety Management Services Limited (RSMSL) is one major issue that must be properly considered. It is an affront to the NPP government, which prides itself as a supporter of creating a fair playing field for the actors in the private sector space.

We believe that monopolising this essential service will not be in the best interest of many Ghanaians. Giving 85% of the towing levy to only one company (RSMSL), which would have only 47 towing points across the whole country along only 7 highways, is a high-tech robbery of the highest order.

AFAG Resolution

• AFAG is sounding a word of caution to the NPP government not to impose any form of inhumane road towing levy on motorists but rather enforce the relevant laws that govern road and vehicle usage so as to reduce the accidents on our roads.

• AFAG urges government to abrogate the contract with RSML and open the space up for other competitors.

• Government should consider allowing insurance companies to take a central role in the towing space. Individual motorists should be allowed to choose which insurance company to buy from.

• District assemblies should be allowed to manage towing services in collaboration with the registered towing companies. This would give the operation a nationwide representation.

AFAG urges the government to abort the contract within 14days. Thereafter we would take all the necessary actions to bring home our message.