The Minister for Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, has established a five-member committee to assess and improve the effectiveness of the Axle Load Control Programme. 

This was announced in a press statement issued by the Ministry on Tuesday, 25th February 2025. 

The initiative seeks to address key challenges in the programme’s operations and enhance its efficiency in regulating heavy cargo transportation.

According to the statement, the committee comprises representatives from National Security, Private Haulage Operators, the Ghana Highway Authority, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ghana Standards Authority. 

Their mandate includes identifying systemic and operational issues, examining violations of regulatory provisions, evaluating the management of collected fines, and making recommendations for necessary reforms. 

“The Committee is expected to identify systemic and operational issues that require reforms, interrogate any violations of regulatory provisions, evaluate the management of collected fines, and provide suitable recommendations to improve the Programme,” the statement read.

The Axle Load Control Programme was introduced to prevent the overloading of heavy cargo vehicles, a key factor contributing to the premature deterioration of road pavements and increased traffic accidents. 

However, operational inefficiencies have hindered its full effectiveness. 

According to the Ministry, the decision to review the programme aligns with its broader efforts to safeguard road infrastructure and promote road safety. 

“Overloading heavy cargo vehicles has been identified as a major factor in the premature deterioration of road pavements and increased traffic accidents,” the statement emphasised.

Reaffirming its commitment to improving road conditions, the Ministry assured the public of its dedication to addressing the challenges within the programme. 

“The Ministry assures the public of its commitment to enhancing road safety and mitigating overloading to ensure road pavements fulfil their intended lifespan,” the statement concluded. 

The committee’s findings and recommendations are expected to play a crucial role in shaping the future of axle load regulations in Ghana.