By Maxwell Adu-Donkor
In recent times, there has been growing concern about safety in our everyday public transport, especially taxis and trotros. Stories of passengers being robbed, kidnapped, or harassed in commercial vehicles continue to emerge, raising serious alarm. As Ghana advances on its development journey, one thing is clear: safety must advance with us.
But what if a simple change could make a big difference?
Unlike many countries, including Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana lacks a standardized color scheme for its commercial vehicles. In most of those countries, taxis are painted in one uniform color, often yellow, making them easy to recognize from a distance. This visual consistency helps both law enforcement and the public to quickly identify legitimate commercial vehicles and detect suspicious ones.
Case of Ghana
In Ghana, however, the only official identifier for commercial vehicles is the yellow license plate. While helpful, it is not enough. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) does enforce certain plate standards, requiring legibility, the Ghana flag, and the “GH” country code but it does not regulate vehicle colors. This gap allows criminals to exploit the system by using unpainted or deceptively marked vehicles to commit crimes undetected.
Another overlooked yet important visual feature is the taxi top light, the bar with “TAXI” written on it, usually mounted on the roof and visible at night. These lights help passengers quickly spot available taxis and serve as an added safety cue. Unfortunately, not all taxis have them, and there are no consistent regulations requiring their use. Mandating both a uniform body color and a standard taxi roof light would significantly enhance visibility, especially at night.
Taxi registration
Imagine this: every registered taxi in Ghana painted in the same bright color—say, yellow—with its registration ID boldly displayed on the doors and a clearly visible rooftop taxi light. Such a change would make commercial vehicles easier to spot and track. It would also discourage the operation of fake taxis, which would become immediately conspicuous.
This call for visual standardization aligns with broader efforts to tighten vehicle regulation. For example, the DVLA recently announced that from August 1, 2025, it will begin issuing digital sticker numbers for imported vehicles at the ports, replacing the old aluminum plates. This initiative improves traceability and accountability. If we can trace vehicles from the point of entry, we should also be able to clearly identify them on the roads, especially when they’re used for public transportation.
However, standardizing color alone is not enough. We also need better driver vetting systems. It shouldn’t end with just a driver’s license. There should be biometric data, background checks, and even digital driver profiles for those operating commercial vehicles. Stronger rules on vehicle ownership are also necessary. Recent reports indicate that some vehicles used for criminal activities are registered under foreigners, particularly Nigerians, or under untraceable individuals. This is not about discrimination; it is about proper documentation, monitoring, and accountability.
Role of public
Finally, let’s not forget the role of the public. Passengers must stay alert. If something feels off about a taxi or trotro, if it’s missing clear markings, lacks a taxi light, or looks suspicious, report it. Community vigilance is often the first line of defense.
Standardizing the color of commercial vehicles may seem like a small issue, but it is part of a bigger solution. When combined with proper regulation, modern technology, and public support, it can contribute significantly to making Ghana’s roads safer for all.
As Ghana grows, let us grow in safety too. A few smart changes today could save many lives tomorrow.
The writer, Maxwell Adu-Donkor, is a final-year student at the University of Ghana, majoring in Geography and Resource Development and Archaeology. He is passionate about institutional reform, public policy, and national development.
Email: adumaxwell742@gmail.com
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