The Ghanaian Ministry of Roads and Highways has unveiled significant reforms aimed at strengthening axle load management and preserving the nation’s road infrastructure. Central to these reforms is a substantial increase in penalties for overloaded vehicles, rising from GHS 5,000 to GHS 50,000. This tenfold increase is intended to serve as a powerful deterrent against overloading, a practice that accelerates road deterioration. Furthermore, the reforms introduce a new provision holding vehicle owners directly accountable for overloading, adding another layer of responsibility in the effort to curb this damaging practice. Minister Kwame Governs Agbodza emphasized the importance of these reforms, stating that they are crucial to protecting Ghana’s road network and ensuring its longevity.
These stringent measures are part of a broader strategy to improve the axle load control regime. A dedicated cross-sectoral technical committee has been established to review and enhance existing practices. The committee’s objectives include more rigorous enforcement of axle weight limits, the modernization of weighbridge infrastructure, alignment with ECOWAS protocols and international best practices, and a significant reduction in premature pavement failures, a major consequence of overloading. By implementing a comprehensive and multifaceted approach, the Ministry aims to address the root causes of overloading and mitigate its detrimental impacts on the road network.
In addition to enforcement measures, the government has also taken steps to secure sustainable funding for road maintenance. Parliament has passed legislation establishing the Road Maintenance Trust Fund. This fund has been designed to provide a stable and transparent mechanism for financing road maintenance activities. It will operate with an autonomous governance structure, ensuring efficient and accountable allocation of resources. A key feature of the fund is a fair allocation formula for distributing road user levies, ensuring that funds are directed where they are most needed. The transparency measures embedded within the fund’s framework will promote public trust and accountability in the management of road maintenance funds.
The government has also taken a decisive step to ensure the full utilization of resources allocated for road maintenance. The de-capping of the Road Fund ensures that all statutory revenue streams, particularly fuel levies, flow directly into the fund without any diversions or restrictions. This measure allows for maximum funding to be applied to address the existing backlog of road maintenance needs. The government emphasizes that this action aligns with its broader institutional reform agenda and fulfills a campaign promise to prioritize the maintenance of critical infrastructure, demonstrating its commitment to long-term investment in the nation’s road network.
The Ministry of Roads and Highways is also proactively addressing ongoing maintenance needs. Procurement processes are currently underway for the implementation of routine and periodic maintenance programmes for 2025. These programmes are crucial for preserving existing road assets and ensuring their long-term viability. By investing in regular maintenance, the Ministry aims to enhance road safety, improve ride quality and reliability, and reduce the overall cost of major rehabilitation projects in the long run. These proactive maintenance strategies are essential for maximizing the lifespan of the road network and minimizing disruptions to transportation.
The scope of these maintenance programmes extends beyond major highways. The Ministry’s expanded maintenance strategy includes feeder roads, highways, and urban road segments across all regions. This comprehensive approach recognizes the interconnectedness of the road network and the importance of maintaining all its components. The expansion of maintenance activities to encompass all road categories is particularly crucial to support the government’s 24-Hour Economy Policy. This ambitious policy requires a robust and reliable road network to facilitate the continuous movement of goods and services around the clock, ensuring smooth and efficient operations across the country. By investing in the maintenance of all road types, the government creates a foundation for sustainable economic activity and national development.
