Editorial
Haulage vehicles destroying our roads
Dear Editor,
Successive governments have spent millions over the years maintaining the country’s roads.
Despite these huge investments, many roads continue to deteriorate due to several factors, including the operations of haulage vehicles.
It is unfortunate that many haulage vehicles, such as tractor-trailers, tipper trucks, and tankers transporting goods from the ports, contribute significantly to road damage.
In many cases, these vehicles are overloaded, placing excessive pressure on road surfaces and accelerating their deterioration.
Regulation 52 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), requires that loads carried on vehicles or trailers be securely fastened, protected, and properly packed to prevent them from sliding, shifting, or falling off.
However, compliance with this regulation remains a challenge.
There have also been reports of some heavy-duty vehicles bypassing designated weighbridges and failing to comply with axle-load limits as required by law. This weak enforcement has allowed some operators to continue violating regulations with little consequence.
The issue recently came up on the floor of Parliament, where lawmakers called for stricter enforcement of the laws governing the operations of haulage vehicles.
Their concerns highlight the urgent need for stronger monitoring and tougher sanctions against offenders.
As a concerned citizen, I believe the time has come for Ghana to treat this issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Protecting our roads is a shared responsibility that requires effective enforcement of existing laws and greater accountability among transport operators.
The country cannot continue spending large sums of money repairing roads that are repeatedly damaged by preventable practices such as overloading and non-compliance with axle-load regulations.
Resources that could be invested in education, healthcare, agriculture, and other critical sectors should not be diverted to avoidable road maintenance.
Ensuring strict adherence to haulage regulations will not only preserve the nation’s road infrastructure but also promote safer and more efficient transportation for all road users.
B. Acton-Tettey,
Sukura-Accra
Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the relevant authorities to the poor state of the railway crossing area of the Neoplan Station, near Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, which is increasingly disrupting the smooth flow of traffic.
The damaged section of the road has become a major inconvenience to motorists, as vehicles are forced to slow down considerably when approaching the crossing to avoid damaging their tyres, wheels and suspension systems.
This situation causes unnecessary delays, particularly during peak hours when traffic volumes are high.
The crossing is an important route for commuters and commercial drivers who use the Circle area to connect to other parts of the capital.
The deteriorating road surface therefore affects not only individual motorists but also the general movement of vehicles through this busy transport hub.
Beyond the inconvenience, the situation could increase the risk of minor accidents as drivers brake suddenly or attempt to manoeuvre around damaged portions of the road.
I respectfully appeal to the Department of Urban Roads, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and other relevant agencies to inspect the affected section and undertake urgent repairs to restore the smooth movement of traffic.
Timely intervention will reduce delays, improve road safety and make commuting through the Circle area more convenient.
Yours faithfully,
Concerned Citizen
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Dear Editor,
I wish to draw the attention of the authorities and the general public to the increasing cost of hostel accommodation, particularly for students in tertiary institutions.
The high cost of hostels has become a serious challenge for many students and their parents.
In some areas, hostel fees have increased significantly, making it difficult for students from low- and middle-income families to secure decent accommodation.
Apart from the hostel fees, students also have to pay for transportation, food, learning materials and other academic needs.
The rising cost of accommodation therefore puts additional financial pressure on families and, in some cases, forces students to live in overcrowded or poorly maintained facilities.
I believe hostel owners and relevant authorities must work together to ensure that accommodation remains affordable while maintaining acceptable standards.
Tertiary institutions should also consider expanding student accommodation and encouraging affordable private hostel projects.
The government and local authorities could further support the development of low-cost student accommodation through appropriate policies and incentives.
I therefore appeal to the Ministry of Education, tertiary institutions and other stakeholders to treat the issue as a matter of urgency.
Affordable and decent accommodation is essential to creating a conducive environment for students to study and succeed.
This has in a way also empowered the private people in the accommodation sector to take undue advantage of the situation to charge exorbitant rates for their services.
Kwame Ampiaw,
Accra
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