DVLA: Over 90% of ‘Aboboyaa’ in Accra Operating Without Side Mirrors

The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority says the vast majority of tricycles in Accra, popularly called _aboboyaa_, are plying the roads without side mirrors.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, July 22, 2026, DVLA representative Stephen Attu said the situation is widespread.

“Based on observation, over 90% of them don’t even have mirrors,” he stated. “I wouldn’t dispute that.”

*Roadworthiness concerns*

Mr. Attu explained that tricycles are expected to go through the same roadworthiness checks as other vehicles. Before they are cleared to operate, they must meet basic safety standards.

“They equally need to have headlamps; they equally need to have good tyres under them. They must be in pristine condition to be able to function on our roads,” he said.

According to him, DVLA technical officers check for essentials like working headlamps, good tyres, and other safety features during inspections.

*Enforcement challenges*

When asked if the DVLA can take unroadworthy tricycles off the road, Mr. Attu said the Authority does compliance checks but must work with the Police MTTD to make arrests.

“What we do is that in order to be able to cause an arrest, you have to do that in collaboration with the MTTD,” he noted.

He also pointed to a major monitoring gap. Many motorcycles and tricycles were registered manually under the old system, making it harder for the DVLA to track their compliance.

The DVLA’s revelation raises fresh concerns about safety on Accra’s roads, as tricycles continue to be a major means of transport for goods and passengers.