The Ghanaian government has taken a bold step towards preserving the country’s road network by increasing the penalty for overloading vehicles from GHS 5,000 to GHS 50,000. According to Kwame Governs Agbodza, Minister for Roads and Highways, this move is part of the Axle Load Control Reforms aimed at reducing road damage and enhancing safety .
The Rationale Behind the Decision
Minister Agbodza emphasized that the current system only punishes drivers, not the owners of the goods being transported. To address this loophole, new regulations will extend penalties to owners of overloaded items. In some cases, excess goods will be confiscated and auctioned, with proceeds going into the Road Maintenance Trust Fund. “This is not a fee, it’s a penalty for wrongdoing,” Agbodza stressed, adding that the goal is to eliminate overloading, not generate revenue .
Criticism and Concerns
However, not everyone is convinced that this move will yield the desired results. Ghanatalk.com believes that the increased penalty will only lead to more road extortion by some police officers. “This’s only going to increase the road extortion by some police officers on the road. The Gh5,000 is even too much, just create a consistent process of fining drivers who overload with suspension of license after a specified number of violations and all fines paid to government. Trying to be unnecessarily tough has never helped the system.”
A Balanced Approach
While the government’s intention to curb overloading is commendable, it’s essential to strike a balance between discipline and fairness. A consistent process of fining drivers, combined with license suspension for repeat offenders, could be a more effective approach. This would ensure that drivers are held accountable for their actions while also preventing police officers from taking advantage of the situation.
The Way Forward
As Ghana embarks on this new era of road discipline, it’s crucial to monitor the implementation of these reforms and make adjustments as needed. The government must also address concerns about police extortion and ensure that fines are paid directly to the government, rather than lining the pockets of individual officers. By working together, Ghana can reduce overloading, preserve its roads, and create a safer transportation environment for all