By Edward Acquah, GNA
Accra, March 31, GNA – The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT) Ghana has cautioned vehicle owners against altering the suspension of vehicles, describing the practice as a safety risk.
The warning was issued at a vehicle fleet management workshop organised by CILT Ghana in Accra on Tuesday, which brought together 45 transport managers and directors from various organisations.
Alhaji Saaka Dumba, President of CILT Ghana, explained that modifying a vehicle’s original structure could affect its balance and performance.
“We are concerned because immediately you add something or subtract something from the original model, you are making it imbalanced. You are not balancing it well,” he said.
Alhaji Dumba noted that raising vehicle suspension alters the manufacturer’s design and reduces stability.
“For example, you raise the shocks… that is not the gravity the original people say the vehicle should be between that and the ground. So, you are reducing the flexibility when it comes to roads,” he added.
Alhaji Dumba also disclosed that the Institute was part of an ongoing investigation into safety concerns surrounding the Toyota Voxy, widely used for commercial transport in Ghana.
“The CILT is fully concerned because the result shows a lot of accidents. So, we want to find out why,” he said, pointing out that some imported vehicles were converted from right‑hand to left‑hand drive, which could pose risks if not properly done.
The workshop formed part of efforts to improve fleet management practices and enhance road safety.
Alhaji Dumba stressed the importance of proper planning, driver management and fuel control in fleet operations.
“You need to manage the drivers well… you need to plan and plan well,” he said, adding that rising fuel costs made efficient fuel management critical for organisations.
Dr Andrews Osei Mensah, Vice President of CILT Ghana in charge of Education and Professional Development, highlighted poor vehicle maintenance and human factors as major contributors to road accidents in Ghana.
He said proper maintenance could reduce the severity of accidents and improve driver behaviour.
The workshop covered areas including fleet compliance and regulations, driver management and operational safety, cost control in fleet operations, and corporate fleet management.
The training was intended to equip participants with knowledge to improve efficiency and safety in fleet operations.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey