Accra: As part of Axle Load Management reforms, the penalty for overloading vehicles will be increased significantly from GHS 5,000.00 to GHS 50,000.00, announced Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, the Minister of Roads and Highways. In addition to this increment, vehicle owners will also face fines, with these measures aimed at providing a stronger deterrent to protect the nation's roads.
According to Ghana News Agency, the Minister made these disclosures during his presentation at the Government Accountability series press conference held at the Presidency in Accra. Mr. Agbodza highlighted that a cross-sectoral technical committee has been established to review and enhance the axle load control regime. The objectives include improving the enforcement of axle weight limits, modernizing weighbridge infrastructure, aligning practices with ECOWAS protocols and best practices, and reducing premature pavement failures caused by overloaded trucks.
He further noted that Parliament has passed legislation establishing the Road Maintenance Trust Fund. This fund aims to create a robust and autonomous governance structure for road maintenance financing, implement a fair allocation formula for the distribution of road user levies, and introduce greater transparency in revenue collection and application.
Mr. Agbodza stated that the de-capping of the Road Fund ensures that all statutory revenue sources, particularly fuel levies, are fully available to address maintenance backlogs. This measure aligns with the Government's agenda focused on institutional reforms and the ruling National Democratic Congress' (NDC) promise to secure reliable funding for critical infrastructure maintenance.
He also announced that procurement is underway for the implementation of routine and periodic maintenance programs set for 2025. These programs are crucial for preserving investments in existing road assets, enhancing safety and reliability, and reducing long-term rehabilitation costs. Mr. Agbodza emphasized that the expanded maintenance strategy includes feeder roads, highways, and urban road segments across all regions, which is essential to the 24-Hour Economy Policy requiring reliable road networks for the continuous movement of goods and services.
