• Transport Minister questions road haulage dominance as waterways emerge as freight alternative
• Heavy trucks blamed for road damage as government eyes waterways for cargo transport
• Waterways over highways as transport ministry targets truck-related accidents
Ghana’s Transport Minister has unveiled a forward-looking proposal aimed at transforming how heavy cargo is moved across the country: redirecting large trucks from overstretched roads to inland and coastal waterways. The policy direction is being positioned as a practical response to rising road maintenance costs, persistent accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles, and the underutilisation of Ghana’s water transport potential.
Speaking on the state of the transport sector, the Minister noted that years of dependence on road haulage have taken a heavy toll on national infrastructure. Heavy trucks, particularly those transporting bulk goods, are a major contributor to rapid road deterioration, forcing the state to spend billions of cedis on frequent repairs and rehabilitation.
According to the Minister, waterways offer a more sustainable alternative. Unlike roads, which suffer structural damage under constant heavy loads, water transport primarily requires dredging and routine channel management. This makes it a more cost-effective option in the long term, especially for bulk cargo and long-distance freight.
Beyond infrastructure savings, safety remains a central motivation behind the proposal. Heavy truck-related accidents continue to claim lives on Ghanaian highways, often due to overloading, poor vehicle condition, and driver fatigue. Shifting a significant portion of freight to water transport could drastically reduce these risks, easing congestion and improving overall road safety.
A major focus of the plan is the revitalisation of inland water transport, particularly on Lake Volta. The Minister acknowledged existing challenges facing the Volta Lake Transport Company, including aging vessels and maintenance inefficiencies. To address this, the Ministry is pushing for stronger private-sector participation, allowing private operators to bring in modern vessels and operational expertise under regulated partnerships.
The approach mirrors models used in other transport sectors, where public infrastructure is complemented by private operational efficiency. Officials believe this could unlock the full economic potential of Ghana’s waterways while ensuring higher safety and service standards.
The proposal also fits into a broader national transport strategy that seeks to balance road, rail, sea, and inland water transport. By creating a more integrated, multimodal system, the government hopes to lower logistics costs for businesses, improve trade competitiveness, and reduce environmental strain caused by heavy road traffic.
However, the shift will not be without challenges. Investments in ports, loading facilities, navigation aids, and regulatory oversight will be critical. Stakeholders in the haulage industry will also need to be engaged to ensure a smooth transition without disrupting livelihoods.
Despite these hurdles, the Minister remains optimistic. He argues that with the right partnerships, policy consistency, and infrastructure investment, Ghana can successfully reposition its waterways as a key pillar of national freight transport—relieving roads, saving lives, and modernising the country’s logistics system.
If implemented effectively, the proposal could mark a significant turning point in Ghana’s transport history, redefining how goods move across the nation and setting a precedent for sustainable infrastructure planning.
0 Comments