The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), in collaboration with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU), has launched a nationwide sensitisation campaign for haulage truck drivers.

The initiative aims to prepare stakeholders for the upcoming enforcement of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Supplementary Act on Axle Load Control.

The campaign, which began in Takoradi and was later replicated in Kumasi and Tema, follows a policy announcement by the Ministry of Roads and Highways on the introduction of the long-awaited Axle Load Regulations. These regulations were initially scheduled to take effect in January 2026 but were deferred by GSA to allow for broader stakeholder engagement.

The sensitisation campaign seeks to deepen understanding of the policy framework, secure industry buy-in, promote compliance, and reduce potential conflicts between enforcement agencies and transport operators.

Delivering remarks, Musa Ibrahim, Executive Secretary of JAPTU, emphasized that the initiative goes beyond road safety concerns. He described the ECOWAS Supplementary Act as a landmark harmonization platform that would strengthen regional trade integration.

“This sensitisation is critical not only for safety but also for facilitating trade within the sub-region,” Ibrahim said.

“JAPTU remains committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure transparency, accountability, and trust in the implementation process,” he added.

He further noted that JAPTU plays a strategic role within the maritime and transport ecosystem and has introduced verification systems among drivers to enhance operational standards.

James Hammond, a representative of GIZ, highlighted the importance of the programme under the GIZ Trade Hub initiative, a German government-supported project designed to promote intra-regional trade among ECOWAS member states.

“It is important that haulage drivers fully understand the provisions of the Act,” Hammond said. “Compliance will enable them to operate without disruption while protecting road infrastructure through adherence to prescribed load limits.”

Speaking on behalf of the CEO of GSA, Fred Asiedu Dartey, Head of Freight and Logistics, conveyed the Authority’s appreciation to GIZ for its continued support of transport and logistics development in West Africa and to JAPTU for their collaboration in mobilizing members for the workshop.

Dartey underscored the central role of road transport in regional trade, particularly for land-linked countries such as Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

He highlighted that axle load mismanagement contributes to road deterioration, vehicle damage, and safety risks.

“The effective implementation of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act will enhance compliance across member states, reduce border delays, and improve the overall efficiency of transit corridors,” he stated.

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 required to register annually at a fee of GH¢250.

Registered operators will receive certification authorising them to operate across ports and transit corridors within Ghana and the sub-region.

She noted that formal registration would also enhance institutional support, citing recent interventions by GSA in facilitating the release of cargo trucks detained in Burkina Faso.

Providing further technical insights, Elizabeth Ajarquah, Manager of Traffic Regulation at the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), noted that Ghana maintains approximately 15,400 kilometres of highways, making axle load control a critical priority given the high cost of road construction and maintenance.

Ajarquah emphasised that the ECOWAS Supplementary Act seeks to harmonize axle load regulations across the sub-region, including standardised vehicle weights, dimensions, fines, and compliance mechanisms, with the ultimate goal of eliminating overloading.

Among the enforcement measures to be introduced are compliance technologies such as the “Dead Man Switch” to prevent axle tampering, corridor-based weighing fees, and provisions for auctioning abandoned vehicles after 90 days, in line with regional regulations.

The workshop attracted 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, who attended the workshop alongside the Transport Minister of Burkina Faso, commended the organizers and encouraged participants to engage constructively in the deliberations.

The nationwide sensitisation campaign marks a critical step toward the full implementation of the ECOWAS Axle Load regime. Participants expressed optimism that sustained education and collaboration will 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 deliberate measures to ease tensions that hinder 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.

The workshop concluded on a positive note, with participants expressing appreciation for the engagement and calling for the institutionalization of such forums on a quarterly basis to address emerging issues within the haulage industry.