Ghana to enforce ECOWAS axle load rules

Ghana is preparing to enforce the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Supplementary Act on Axle Load Control. The Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) is leading a nationwide education campaign for truck drivers. This campaign is in partnership with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU).

The new rules were delayed from January 2026 to allow for more public discussions. They are meant to improve understanding and ensure compliance. This will help reduce problems between enforcement agencies and transport operators.

Musa Ibrahim of JAPTU said the initiative is for road safety and to make regional trade stronger. James Hammond from GIZ stressed that drivers must understand the rules to operate without problems. Compliance will also protect road infrastructure by keeping loads within limits.

Fred Asiedu Dartey of the GSA said road transport is key for trade, especially for countries like Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso. Overloaded trucks cause damage to roads, harm vehicles, and create safety risks. The ECOWAS Act will make sure all member states follow the same rules. This will lessen border delays and make trade routes more efficient.

Rhoda Djanitey of the GSA explained that under Section 26 of Act 1122 (2024), truck drivers must register each year for GHS250. This registration gives them a certificate to operate across Ghana and the sub-region. It also provides institutional support, such as help for detained cargo trucks.

Elizabeth Ajarquah from the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) pointed out that Ghana has about 15,400 kilometers of highways. Axle load control is very important because building and maintaining roads is expensive. The ECOWAS Act will standardize vehicle weights, sizes, fines, and how rules are enforced to stop overloading.

New technologies like the “Dead man Switch” will prevent axle tampering. There will also be weighing fees for certain corridors. Abandoned vehicles can be sold after 90 days, following regional rules. This new policy is important for efficient and safe trade across West Africa.