Truck Drivers in Tema briefed on new trade laws as GSA pushes to safeguard Ghana’s transit role

Truck drivers and haulage operators were on Thursday 8th May engaged in Tema by the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA) during a sensitisation workshop focused on the country’s new shipping legislation and ongoing efforts to improve the efficiency of Ghana’s transit corridors.

The event took place at the New Truck Park in Community One and centred on the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Act, 2024, known as Act 1122 (2024).

The workshop brought together key stakeholders in the transport and logistics chain. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority chaired the event. Also present were the Ghana Private Road Transport Union, the Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU), the Chemicals Control and Management Centre of the Environmental Protection Authority, and senior management of GSA, including the Deputy Chief Executive Officer (Technical), Mrs. Sylvia Asana Owu, Head of Operations, Mrs Monica Josiah, and the Eastern Zonal Manager, Mr Charles Darling Sey.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Ransford Gyampo, GSA’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, (Operations) Mr. Prince Henry Ankrah described the country’s transit corridors as vital economic lifelines. He noted that operators from Burkina Faso, Niger, and Mali continue to rely on Ghana’s road networks to transport inbound and outbound cargo.

 Mr Ankrah explained that Ghana earns over 34 million US dollars each year from transit trade through port handling, haulage services, and fuel purchases. He, however, lamented that a combination of excessive charges, poor road infrastructure, and numerous checkpoints is weakening Ghana’s position in the sub-regional transit market.

Mr Ankrah said Act 1122 (2024) gives GSA the legal authority to approve charges, regulate service conditions, and streamline operations for all stakeholders involved in international cargo movement. He said the law represents a shift toward a more disciplined and predictable trade environment, where services must meet clear standards and value for money must be assured. GSA, he added, continues to work with key agencies to clamp down on extortion and inefficiencies along the corridors.

He cited findings from a March 2025 fact-finding mission along the Tema to Hamile corridor, which recorded 67 police stops, including 46 permanent and 21 temporary barriers, as well as seven customs posts, eight immigration checkpoints, and six axle load stations. Mr Ankrah described these as major impediments to trade and stressed that unless addressed, Ghana risks losing its place as the preferred transit route for Sahelian countries.

He also recalled that GSA has conducted quarterly corridor assessments since 2018 and continues to share findings with relevant institutions for corrective action. He said GSA has organized police sensitization seminars since 2020, starting in Kumasi and extending to Techiman, Tamale, Bolgatanga, Ho, and Wa to reduce friction between officers and drivers.

The Ghana Highways Authority added technical depth to the session. Representing the Authority, Mrs Elizabeth Arjarquah explained that overloading trucks begins at the loading stage and is mostly caused by decisions taken by truck owners and their Agents. She said the practice leads to faster road deterioration and rising maintenance costs.

 Mrs Arjarquah noted that ECOWAS and UEMOA have harmonized axle load control regulations and signed a supplementary legal framework in Accra in July 2022. She said all 15 ECOWAS member states endorsed the changes, with full implementation expected in 2026.

Mrs Arjarquah further told participants that every vehicle would now be subject to technical inspection before registration and entry into service. The inspection will cover vehicle dimensions, unladen weight with a full tank, and total laden weight. She stressed that trucks that fail to meet these standards will not be permitted to operate.

During the open forum, drivers raised several concerns. Some asked if the new number plate delivery system would come with extra costs. Others questioned why drivers were not consulted in the development of the new axle load amendments. Participants also expressed uncertainty about the timelines for enforcement and called for clearer information from regulators.

Closing the session, GSA’s Deputy Chief Executive for Technical Services, Madam Sylvia Asana Owu, welcomed the openness of the discussions and assured drivers that GSA would continue to protect their welfare. She said the conversations reflected mutual respect and urged JAPTU and other unions to deepen cooperation with GSA as reforms continue.

The Tema sensitization forms part of GSA’s wider strategy to engage directly with those who drive regional trade. As Ghana looks to maintain its edge as the gateway for Sahelian economies, GSA believes that transparent policies, responsive leadership, and stronger stakeholder dialogue will be key to achieving that goal.

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