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Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Agbodza, has established a five-member committee to conduct an in-depth assessment of the Axle Load Control Programme, aiming to improve its effectiveness and enforcement.
The committee, which includes representatives from National Security, Private Haulage Operators, the Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Standards Authority, has been assigned to identify operational challenges within the programme.
Their key responsibilities include analyzing systemic inefficiencies, investigating potential regulatory breaches, assessing how fines are administered, and proposing necessary reforms to enhance the programme’s impact.
Overloading by heavy cargo vehicles has been identified as a major factor in the premature deterioration of road infrastructure and a rise in traffic accidents. The review seeks to strengthen the Axle Load Control Programme, which has faced multiple operational setbacks since its inception.
In a statement, the Ministry of Roads and Highways reaffirmed its dedication to improving road safety and curbing overloading. “We are committed to ensuring that road pavements last their intended lifespan through effective enforcement and operational reforms,” the Ministry stated.
The Axle Load Control Programme was originally introduced to address the issue of overloading, which contributes to rapid road degradation and increased traffic incidents. However, its effectiveness has been hampered by various implementation challenges.
To counter these issues, the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), under the Ministry of Roads and Highways, established an Axle Load Control Unit responsible for installing weighing equipment at key points along major road corridors. This ensures compliance with weight and dimension limits set by the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012.
Despite these measures, overloading remains a persistent threat to Ghana’s road network, leading to infrastructure damage and increased road accidents. The GHA continues to enforce axle load regulations while updating strategies to curb excessive cargo weight on the roads.
The overarching goal of the Axle Load Control Policy is to protect the government’s investment in road infrastructure, reduce overloading, enhance road safety, and lower vehicle operation costs.
The initiative also aims to discourage overloaded truck operations, extend the lifespan of roads and overhead structures, improve travel times, and minimize road maintenance expenses.
This latest review, led by the Roads Ministry, marks a crucial step toward resolving long-standing enforcement challenges and ensuring that Ghana’s road infrastructure remains durable and efficient.
