The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has announced plans to amend existing legislation to curb road abuse caused by overloaded trucks.
Speaking in an interview on GTV’s Breakfast Show, Mr. Agbodza said the government will collaborate with the Ministry of Transport to revise Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180. The proposed amendment will allow excess goods from overloaded trucks to be auctioned, with the proceeds paid into the Road Maintenance Trust Fund.
He further disclosed that penalties for overloading will be increased tenfold, from GHS 5,000 to GHS 50,000, as part of measures to deter truck owners and drivers from exceeding approved load limits.
“This measure will not only serve as a deterrent but also help preserve our roads,” the minister said. He noted that although Ghana invests more in road infrastructure than some neighbouring countries, local roads deteriorate much faster due to persistent abuse.
Mr. Agbodza also pointed to bribery as a major factor worsening the situation, explaining that some drivers evade axle load regulations by bribing enforcement officers to carry heavier loads.
“Sometimes it’s not that roads were poorly constructed; it’s that they are abused daily, shortening their lifespan,” he added.
