Takoradi: The Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU), has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign for haulage truck drivers. This initiative is designed to ready stakeholders for the forthcoming enforcement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Supplementary Act on Axle Load Control.
According to Ghana Web, the campaign commenced in Takoradi and was subsequently expanded to Kumasi and Tema. This follows the Ministry of Roads and Highways' policy announcement concerning the introduction of the Axle Load Regulations, initially set to take effect in January 2026 but postponed by the GSA to enable extensive stakeholder engagement. The campaign's objectives include fostering a better understanding of the policy framework, encouraging industry buy-in, promoting compliance, and minimizing potential conflicts between enforcement agencies and transport operators.
Musa Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of JAPTU, highlighted that the initiative transcends road safety concerns. He described the ECOWAS Supplementary Act as a significant harmonization platform that would bolster regional trade integration. 'This sensitisation is critical not only for safety but also for facilitating trade within the sub-region,' Ibrahim stated. He reaffirmed JAPTU's commitment to collaborating with all stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in the implementation process.
James Hammond, representing GIZ, emphasized the programme's importance under the GIZ Trade Hub initiative, a German government-supported project aimed at enhancing intra-regional trade among ECOWAS member states. 'It is important that haulage drivers fully understand the provisions of the Act,' Hammond remarked. He noted that compliance would enable drivers to operate without disruption while safeguarding road infrastructure by adhering to prescribed load limits.
Fred Asiedu Dartey, Head of Freight and Logistics at GSA, conveyed the Authority's gratitude to GIZ for its ongoing support in transport and logistics development in West Africa and to JAPTU for their cooperation in mobilizing members for the workshop. Dartey highlighted the pivotal role of road transport in regional trade, especially for land-linked countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. He pointed out that axle load mismanagement leads to road deterioration, vehicle damage, and safety risks.
Rhoda Djanitey, Principal Officer at the Freight and Logistics Department of GSA, explained that under Section 26 of Act 1122 (2024), haulage drivers will be mandated to register annually at a fee of GHS250. Registered operators will receive certification authorizing them to operate across ports and transit corridors within Ghana and the sub-region. She mentioned that formal registration would also enhance institutional support, citing recent GSA interventions in facilitating the release of cargo trucks detained in Burkina Faso.
Elizabeth Ajarquah, Manager of Traffic Regulation at the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), noted that Ghana maintains approximately 15,400 kilometers of highways, making axle load control a critical priority due to the high costs of road construction and maintenance. Ajarquah stressed that the ECOWAS Supplementary Act aims to harmonize axle load regulations across the sub-region with standardized vehicle weights, dimensions, fines, and compliance mechanisms, ultimately aiming to eliminate overloading.
The workshop drew a diverse group of stakeholders, including haulage drivers from Ghana and neighboring countries, representatives of transport unions, and key industry institutions such as the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). Ali Braimah, President of the West African Transport Union, attended the workshop alongside the Transport Minister of Burkina Faso, commending the organizers and encouraging active participation in the discussions.
The nationwide sensitisation campaign represents a crucial step toward the full implementation of the ECOWAS Axle Load regime. Participants expressed optimism that sustained education and collaboration would lead to improved compliance, enhanced road safety, and more efficient regional trade corridors. They also highlighted challenges related to language barriers along certain transit corridors and called for measures to ease tensions that impede sub-regional trade. Musa Ibrahim indicated JAPTU's willingness to make its member database available solely for registration purposes, provided it is not used as a revenue-generating tool.