The Volta/Oti Manager of the National Insurance Commission (NIC), David Kwame Afenyo, has cautioned drivers and tricycle operators against overloading, warning that it could invalidate insurance policies and deny victims compensation in the event of accidents.
He explained that overloading constitutes a breach of insurance terms, emphasising that insurers have the right to reject claims where the violation contributed to an accident.
Speaking at a training programme organised by the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) for tricycle operators in Ho, Mr. Afenyo said such conduct is a fundamental violation of insurance agreements, leaving both operators and victims exposed to financial loss. He advised operators to seek guidance from insurance providers or relevant authorities rather than engaging in practices that could jeopardise their coverage.
The training brought together officials from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), NRSA, and the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service to enhance road safety compliance ahead of the Easter period. Participants were sensitised on safety protocols, regulatory compliance, and formal regulation of tricycle operations to reduce crashes and improve discipline on the roads.
A Senior Technician at the DVLA, Charles Owusu Boakye, urged operators to regularly check the validity of their licences and ensure their vehicles are roadworthy. He advised treating tricycles as workplaces, stressing professionalism, strict adherence to regulations, and respectful engagement with passengers. Mr. Boakye also cautioned against concealing number plates, highlighting their importance for identification in emergencies and law enforcement.
The Volta Regional Director of the NRSA, Joana Fafa Ayer, outlined new safety requirements under the emerging regulatory framework for tricycle operations, urging strict compliance with road safety rules and warning that disregard continues to contribute to preventable crashes across the region.
