Gov’t committed to improving connectivity with landlocked countries

Government’s commitment to the development of highways to improve connectivity between the landlocked countries, northern and southern sectors of the country is not in doubt.

Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwasi Amoako-Atta, whose speech was read on his behalf as part of a cerebration to mark the International Customs Day in Accra said: “Our ministry is preparing a Regional Project to link the Yendi – Tatale border to Paga with funding from the World Bank.

“We have already written to the Commissioner of Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority to discuss issues on the improvement of facilities at Tatale to ensure that it can play the role of both trade and transit facilitation, and we are looking forward to hearing from you.

“As a signatory to the Almaty Declaration 2003, we are obligated to work toward minimising the current marginalisation and enhancing the beneficial integration of landlocked developing countries into the global economy.”

Mr. Amoako-Atta explained that the country has been collaborating with landlocked countries like Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger, as well as other transit developing countries along the trans-coastal corridor aimed at deepening trade and boosting movement of people.

He emphasised that government in collaboration with its Development Partners has invested in development of the Aflao to Elubo section of the Abidjan-Lagos corridor, adding that the Akatsi-Denu section has been completed with assistance from the African Development Bank; the Denu-Aflao section is also completed, while the 110km stretch of the Agona Junction – Elubo section that was financed with support from the World Bank has also been completed.

Feasibility Studies, he said, have commenced on a proposed six-lane dual carriageway from Lagos in Nigeria all the way to Abidjan in La Cote d’Ivoire as part of the Abidjan-Lagos Highway. This is because about 65% of economic activities within the West African region are undertaken on this corridor.

Commenting on implementation of the Axle load rules, Mr. Amoako-Atta explained that the relevant provisions of the ECOWAS Supplementary Act on Axle loads have been incorporated in the Road Traffic Regulation, 2012, (LI 2180).

He indicated that the migration of maximum gross vehicle weight limits from 68 tonnes to 60 tonnes and finally 51 tonnes is being implemented gradually to allow truckers time to adjust and renew their vehicles to the right configuration to enable them continue with their businesses.

“Intensive education and sensitisation in the form of durbars and workshops have been held on the new regulations in the Southern sector of the country: Greater Accra, Volta and Western Regions. Education will be extended to the Northern Sector in the first quarter of the year. Key stakeholders such as Freight Forwarders, Haulers, Truckers, Port operators, and Private Weighbridge Station Operators have been involved in this sensitisation programme.

“Our records indicate that there has been a substantial reduction in the quantum of overloading and number of overloaded vehicles on our roads. Overloading declined from 17.72% in 2012 to 16.08% in 2013, 3.75% in 2014 and 2015. It further reduced to 2.28% in 2016 and 2017. This is as result of the sensitisation and education campaigns which started in 2013,” he said.

Strict enforcement of the Axle Load Control regulations is essential. “We are all aware that excessive loading is a major factor in the rapid deterioration of the road asset. Indeed, it is the duty of the ministry to ensure that we have a viable and functional road network for the socio-economic development of this country.

“There is no point in allowing excessive loading and destroying the road network to our own detriment. The management and control of loading in accordance with the ECOWAS Supplementary Act and our own Road Traffic regulations will serve Ghana and the landlocked countries well, and reduce government’s annual road development and maintenance budget requirement; and thus release more funds for other important issues being considered by government,” he remarked.