Dr Fred Asamoah has called on the government to ensure that all state-owned vehicles are covered by compulsory third-party insurance, arguing that the state must lead by example in enforcing the law and protecting accident victims seeking compensation.
Contributing to a parliamentary statement on uninsured government vehicles, Dr Asamoah said the failure of government institutions to insure official vehicles creates unnecessary difficulties for victims of road accidents, particularly those seeking compensation when state-owned vehicles are involved.
He explained that victims of accidents involving privately owned commercial vehicles, including taxis and trotros, can pursue compensation through established insurance procedures. However, those involved in accidents with government vehicles often face lengthy bureaucratic processes before receiving any form of compensation.
According to him, victims are sometimes required to write formal letters to ministers, engage lawyers or seek intervention from the Attorney-General, making the process unnecessarily complicated.
Dr Asamoah maintained that government institutions should be subject to the same legal obligations imposed on private motorists, insisting that compulsory vehicle insurance is fundamental to fairness and equal treatment under the law.
Dr Asamoah invokes Article 17 over equal treatment
The MP further invoked Article 17 of Ghana’s 1992 Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, questioning why government vehicles should enjoy exemptions from insurance requirements while private vehicle owners are expected to comply.
He argued that the state cannot effectively enforce the law against private motorists while failing to demonstrate the same level of compliance in the management of its own vehicle fleet.
He stressed that government must lead by example to ensure that accident victims are not disadvantaged simply because the vehicle involved belongs to a public institution.
Calls for vehicle maintenance and driver training
Dr Asamoah also emphasised that insurance coverage alone cannot prevent road accidents but provides financial protection and a means of compensation when crashes occur.
He therefore called for a comprehensive approach to road safety, including regular maintenance of government vehicles, proper driver training and continuous defensive driving education.
He warned that inadequate vehicle maintenance and poor driving practices could continue to expose public officials, passengers and other road users to preventable accidents.
Calls for insurance authorities to be involved in parliamentary probe
Referencing Ghana’s road safety situation, Dr Asamoah cited reported road fatalities of 3,949 last year, describing the figure as unfortunate and highlighting the devastating consequences for families when victims are left without adequate compensation.
He consequently urged Parliament to ensure that the appropriate insurance authorities are included in any committee established to investigate the issue of uninsured government vehicles.
According to him, their involvement would help establish the necessary insurance arrangements and ensure that state-owned vehicles comply with applicable legal requirements.
Dr Asamoah concluded by expressing his full support for the parliamentary statement, reiterating that government must demonstrate
