The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) Ghana has lauded the Minister for Roads and Highways, Hon. Governs Kwame Agbodza, for what it describes as bold and people-centered interventions in the country’s road sector.
The group, which represents transport operators across the nation, singled out two initiatives for praise — the resumption of construction works on the Pokuase–Nsawam road and the introduction of a tougher axle load control regime.
For years, the Pokuase–Nsawam stretch of the Accra–Kumasi highway has been a source of frustration for commuters, truck drivers, and businesses due to its poor state. JAPTU says the road, a vital national and regional trade corridor within ECOWAS, had become a bottleneck that increased travel delays, fatigue, and operational costs.
“The decision by the Minister to bring the contractor back on site marks a turning point, signaling government’s strong commitment to improving mobility, reducing road-user fatigue, and enhancing trade facilitation,” said JAPTU Executive Secretary Ibrahim Musah. “We acknowledge this as a highly responsive and people-centered intervention that will ease the burden on drivers, traders, and the travelling public.”
JAPTU also welcomed the new axle load reforms, describing them as a decisive step toward protecting Ghana’s heavily stressed road network. Overloading, the association noted, has been one of the major causes of premature road deterioration, leading to costly repairs.
By enforcing stricter and more transparent controls, Mr. Musah said, the Minister is “demonstrating foresight and firmness in protecting public investments.” He urged transporters not to view the policy as punitive but as corrective, adding that it would enhance safety and prolong the lifespan of roads.
JAPTU called on the Ministry to expand stakeholder engagement on the reforms to ensure broad support and compliance.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to collaborate with the Ministry of Roads and Highways and other state agencies to help make the initiatives successful, stressing that stronger partnerships were essential to building a sustainable, efficient, and safe transport sector.
“By working together, we can safeguard Ghana’s road network, reduce the cost of doing business, and position the country as a competitive transport and logistics hub within West Africa,” JAPTU said in a statement.
The group concluded by saluting the Minister for what it called “proactive leadership, a people-first vision, and a commitment to lasting solutions,” noting that his actions give renewed hope to road users, transport operators, and businesses.
