Majority Chief Whip Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor and Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh have jointly urged the Ghanaian government to insure all state vehicles and fund the premiums in the 2027 Budget. They argue that the current exemption for government vehicles, which dates back to 1958, should be scrapped. The lawmakers point out that uninsured state vehicles not only put lives at risk but also result in significant financial losses for the state.
The two chief whips have outlined several demands, including a published audit of the state's vehicle fleet and its insurance status, allocation of funds for insurance premiums in the 2027 Budget, and mandatory insurance for all government vehicles. They also want every ministry, department, and agency to insure its vehicles immediately, without waiting for a change in the law. Furthermore, they are calling for amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1958, to remove the exemption.
Dafeamekpor and Annoh-Dompreh argue that the current system of self-insurance without a ring-fenced fund is unreliable and often leaves victims of accidents without compensation. They cite the Public Accounts Committee's findings that 98-99% of over 18,000 state vehicles are uninsured. The lawmakers also point to the Auditor-General's report for 2021, which found 92 official vehicles at the Attorney-General's Office and Ministry of Justice running without insurance.
The lawmakers highlight the financial risks associated with uninsured state vehicles, citing a 2013 accident involving an uninsured vehicle from the Attorney-General's Office, which resulted in a GH¢266,399 judgment debt. They also mention a 2024 accident involving an uninsured GETFund school bus, which left victims without insurance benefits. According to the National Road Safety Authority, 2,949 people were killed in 14,743 crashes in 2025, an 18.2% increase from 2024.
The chief whips commend Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh for insuring the national ambulance fleet, which previously had no insurance. They note that the state has purchased over 300 ambulances, some of which have been involved in accidents, adding to the Health Ministry's costs. Dafeamekpor estimates that comprehensive insurance for a US$80,000 Toyota Land Cruiser would cost around US$4,000, or roughly GH¢55,000.
The lawmakers' proposal has received support from the Speaker of Parliament, who has directed the Attorney-General and the Finance Minister to take action. The Finance Minister, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, is scheduled to present the 2027 Budget to Parliament on November 12. The joint statement from the chief whips has been referred to the Joint Committees on Roads and Transport, Finance, and Constitutional, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs.
The push for mandatory insurance of government vehicles is seen as a test of the government's commitment to road safety and financial responsibility. The lawmakers argue that successive governments have left the exemption untouched and that fixing it should be a priority. They emphasize that insurance would give victims of accidents enforceable rights and allow the state to budget for premiums rather than face unpredictable judgment debts.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government is being urged to insure all state vehicles and fund the premiums in the 2027 Budget.
- Uninsured state vehicles have resulted in significant financial losses and put lives at risk, with 98-99% of over 18,000 state vehicles currently uninsured.
- The proposed changes would require amendments to the Motor Vehicles (Third Party Insurance) Act, 1958, and could help reduce the state's financial risks and ensure that victims of accidents receive compensation.
