By Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
Tema, May 26, GNA – Mr Ibrahim Musa, Executive Secretary of Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU Ghana), has said that the association has intensified advocacy against overloading and illegal transport operations to protect road infrastructure and improve cargo security within the country’s haulage sector.
Mr Musa, speaking at a media forum powered by the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), said the union had adopted strict verification systems to prevent out-of-gauge trucks and unverified drivers from operating within the port transport chain.
He said JAPTU’s systems do not register trucks with excessive width or length extensions due to the dangers associated with overloading.
He stressed that overloading increased vehicle maintenance costs, damaged roads, and undermined sustainable transport operations.
“No transport operator in their rightful mind would condone overloading because it is counterproductive,” he stated.
Mr Musa said JAPTU had also engaged the Ghana Police Service extensively to improve security along transport corridors following concerns about cargo theft and attacks on trucks.
He commended the Inspector General of Police for interventions that had contributed to safer roads for transport operators.
According to him, JAPTU previously partnered with Road Safety Management Services Limited to introduce subsidised towing services for broken-down trucks to reduce traffic congestion and road hazards.
He added that the union had also introduced fuel subsidy interventions and welfare initiatives to support drivers and reduce operational pressures within the industry.
Mr Musa said JAPTU remained committed to ensuring zero cargo diversion, improved cargo traceability, and the protection of state revenue through technology-driven transport management systems.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Reporter: Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo
[email protected]rg.gh