GHA Staff Upheaval: Protests Against Merger, Leadership Changes Escalate

As the standoff between the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) staff and the government intensifies, the root cause of the unrest has come into sharp focus: the controversial merger of the GHA with the Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) and the Department of Urban Roads (DUR) into the National Road Authority (NRA), along with the accompanying leadership changes. The proposed restructuring has ignited a firestorm of discontent among GHA employees, who view the move as a betrayal of their organization’s legacy and a threat to their professional autonomy.

At the centre of the controversy is the appointment of the Director of Feeder Roads, Samuel Amoako, as the Director-General of the newly merged entity, effectively placing the DFR in a position of authority over the GHA. Adding fuel to the fire is the decision to make Engineer Collins B. Donkor, the recently retired Chief Executive of the GHA, the deputy Director-General, a move perceived by many as a demotion and a slap in the face to the organization’s leadership.
“The GHA is the parent organization, not the other way around,” argues GHA staff. “The DFR and DUR are offshoots of the GHA, and now they want to make us their subordinates? It’s an insult to our history and the vital role we play in maintaining Ghana’s highway network.”

The staff’s grievances extend beyond the leadership changes, encompassing broader concerns about employment conditions, administrative appointments, and what they perceive as a lack of meaningful engagement by the government. The proposed merger, they argue, is a unilateral decision made without their input or consent, further fueling resentment and a sense of disenfranchisement.

The situation regarding retirement age policies within organizations like the GHA often raises questions about fairness and consistency. It’s not uncommon for directors, like Mr. Atsu Amedzake, who reach retirement age, to be required to leave their positions immediately. This strict adherence to retirement policies can be seen as a way to ensure that leadership positions are regularly refreshed and that new perspectives are brought into the organization.
However, the case of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) being allowed to remain in post after reaching retirement age can create a perception of double standards. This discrepancy may arise from various factors, such as the unique responsibilities of the CEO role, the need for continuity in leadership, or specific contractual agreements that allow for extended tenure. These exceptions can be contentious, leading to feelings of inequity among staff and undermining morale. Ultimately, a clear and transparent policy regarding retirement and extension of service for key positions is essential to maintain fairness and trust within the organization.

“We are not against change,” a union leader asserts. “But change must be implemented through a transparent and inclusive process, not imposed from above without regard for our concerns or expertise.”
The situation has reached a boiling point, with the GHA staff issuing an ultimatum to the National Labour Commission (NLC): resolve their grievances by November 29, 2024, or face an unprecedented nationwide strike that would shut down all GHA operations and close every office across the country.
The potential consequences of such a strike are far-reaching and could have devastating effects on Ghana’s road infrastructure, public safety, and the broader economy. Experts warn that a prolonged shutdown of axle load stations, which serve as critical checkpoints for monitoring and enforcing weight limits for commercial vehicles, could lead to a surge in overloaded trucks, resulting in increased accidents, infrastructure damage, and loss of life.
“Overloaded vehicles are a ticking time bomb on our roads,” cautions Maxwell Kwabena Agyemang, a veteran road safety advocate and former GHA engineer. “Without axle load stations in operation, we could see catastrophic consequences for our roads and the safety of all road users.”

The dangers posed by overloaded trucks on Ghana’s highways are well-documented. These behemoth vehicles, often carrying loads far exceeding their designed capacity, strain the integrity of road surfaces, causing premature cracking, potholes, and accelerated deterioration. Moreover, their excessive weight compromises braking distances and maneuverability, increasing the risk of accidents and endangering the lives of other motorists and pedestrians.
Beyond the safety implications, the potential loss of revenue from axle load stations could cripple the GHA’s ability to maintain and upgrade Ghana’s road network, leading to further deterioration and increased costs down the line. These critical checkpoints serve as a vital source of funding for the GHA, generating revenue through fines and fees levied on overloaded vehicles. Without this revenue stream, the organization’s capacity to finance essential maintenance and construction projects would be severely hindered, setting the stage for a vicious cycle of neglect and decay.
As the strike deadline looms, calls for urgent government intervention and dialogue with GHA staff have intensified. Experts emphasize the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the grievances of the workers while also safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and revenue streams.
“This is about more than just a leadership dispute or organizational restructuring,” asserts Dr. Felicity Amenuvor, a transportation economist at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

“It’s about preserving the integrity of our transportation system and ensuring the safety and prosperity of all Ghanaians.”
Her concerns are echoed by industry stakeholders who recognize the pivotal role the GHA plays in maintaining the nation’s economic lifelines. Juliet Ama Mensah, a logistics expert warns of the potential ripple effects on supply chains and consumer prices.
“A disruption in the GHA’s operations could have far-reaching consequences for the movement of goods and services across the country,” Madam Mensah cautions. “Delays and bottlenecks in transportation networks could drive up costs for businesses, ultimately leading to higher prices for consumers at a time when many are already struggling with the cost of living.”
The potential for increased corruption and bribery along major transportation routes is also a cause for concern. Without proper oversight and enforcement mechanisms in place, some fear that unscrupulous truck operators may attempt to circumvent weight limits, compromising road safety and infrastructure integrity.
“We cannot afford to let our guard down when it comes to overloading,” warns Mr. Agyemang. “A breakdown in enforcement could open the floodgates for illegal practices, putting lives at risk and undermining our efforts to maintain a safe and efficient transportation network.”
As the deadline draws near, the nation holds its breath, hoping that cooler heads will prevail and a path forward can be forged – one that safeguards Ghana’s vital transportation interests while addressing the legitimate concerns of its dedicated workforce. The stakes have never been higher, with the nation’s economic future, road safety, and the integrity of its infrastructure hanging in the balance.

Mr. Kwabena Agyemang, the veteran road safety advocate, fears the consequences of inaction could be catastrophic. “Our roads are the arteries of our nation’s economy, and the GHA staff are the guardians of their health and integrity,” he warns. “If we fail to find a resolution, we risk crippling our transportation network, undermining public safety, and setting back Ghana’s development for years to come.”
The government faces mounting pressure to intervene decisively and engage in meaningful dialogue with the GHA staff. Failure to do so could ignite a nationwide crisis that extends far beyond the confines of the transportation sector, impacting businesses, communities, and the daily lives of millions of Ghanaians.
As the impasse deepens, all eyes are on the NLC and the government, with the hope that a compromise can be reached – one that acknowledges the concerns of the GHA staff while also safeguarding the nation’s critical infrastructure and ensuring the continuity of essential services.
Only through open communication, mutual understanding, and a willingness to find common ground can this crisis be averted, preserving the integrity of Ghana’s transportation network and paving the way for a future of sustainable growth and development.