‘I never said people criticizing mandatory towing fee are narrow-minded’ – Osei Owusu

Contrary to media reports suggesting that the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Joe Osei Owusu described people criticizing the mandatory towing fee as narrow-minded, the Bekwai Member of Parliament has denied the report describing it as untrue.

According to the First Deputy Speaker of Parliament, the report has extremely deviated from his argument, adding that he is focused on a wider spectrum which is road safety.

“How can I say that when somebody disagrees with me the person is narrow minded? That is an insult but I can say your view is narrow if it’s not taking cognisance of the all the relevant factors”.

Joe Osei Owusu also asserted that it will be narrow to debate the issue considering only the cost component while sidelining other relevant aspects such as the end objective which geared toward ensuring safe on roads.

He further observed that towing of disabling vehicles will not be effective if left for the vehicle owners, urging the government to renegotiate the cost for implementation.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister for Roads and Transport, Titus Glover, has announced the suspension of the controversial towing tax for vehicle owners until further notice.

The Deputy Minister, said the suspension, which is in response to public concerns over the fees, will give Parliament time to reassess the Legislative Instrument supporting the fee.

The government announced the suspension after the Roads and Transport Committee of Parliament met with the Road Safety Commission, the DVLA and other stakeholders over the matter.

According to the Ranking Member on the Committee, Governs Kwame Agbodza, the committee wants to probe the issues surrounding the implementation and possibly recommend the recall of the Legislative Instrument supporting the fee.