Why transporting meat, scented fish or livestock in a taxi in Ghana is illegal

The Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) has warned the public against using taxis to transport meat, fish, and livestock without proper packaging, saying it is against the law.

According to the Akim Oda MTTD Station Officer, Chief Inspector Frempong Ayeh Fergus, transporting processed or unprocessed meat, fish, or livestock in a taxi violates LI 2180, Regulation 130 (4) (b).

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He explained in an interview that the law only allows such items to be transported in a taxi if they are properly packaged to prevent them from becoming a public health hazard.

"You can't use a taxi to transport processed or unprocessed meat, fish (smelly ones), or even livestock because it violates the laws of this country, particularly LI 2180 Regulation 130," he said.

Chief Inspector Fergus said the regulation requires owners of such items to package them neatly before they can be transported in a taxi.

"What the law states is that, before a taxi driver can transport these food items listed, the owner must have neatly packaged them to prevent the stench from emanating into the vehicle," he stated.

He also warned against carrying uncovered fish in commercial vehicles, saying it could pose health risks to other passengers.

"We have people with peculiar illnesses like asthma where inhaling some of these scented fishes or meat could pose serious risks or worsen their health condition. Taxis are meant to pick human passengers and not livestock, meat or fishes," he added.

Chief Inspector Fergus further cautioned that offenders risk arrest, prosecution and punishment under the law.

"When you violate the law and transport any of these things, you will be arrested and arraigned in court. The law mandates the court to fine such culprits 25 penalty units, which is equivalent to GH₵300, and jail you for 30 days,” he said.

What does LI 2180, Regulation 130 (4) (b) say:

Under the LI 2180 Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, clause (4) (b) states that a taxi shall not be used for conveying livestock, meat, fish, or the carcass of an animal unless in the case of the meat, fish or carcass, the meat, fish or carcass is properly packaged in a manner that ensures that the meat, fish or carcass does not constitute a health hazard and nuisance to the public.

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Clause (6) indicates that a person who contravenes this regulation commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of not less than ten penalty units and not more than twenty-five penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not more than thirty days or to both.

“Transporting processed or unprocessed meat, fish and livestock in a taxi is a violation of the law”

—Akim Oda MTTD Station Officer Chief Inspector Frempong Ayeh Fergus warns the public.

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