Mr. Horgle Supports Minister’s Digitization Plan for Ghana’s Road Management to Combat Corruption and Enhance Efficiency
Ghana’s transportation sector stands on the point of a significant revolution as the newly appointed Minister of Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza, reveals an ambitious plan aimed at digitizing the nation’s toll collection and axle load management systems. This initiative, which has garnered widespread support from Ghanaians, seeks to confront long-standing issues of corruption and inefficiency that have plagued the country’s road management framework for years.
Urgent Need for Reform
The call for reform echoes deeply within the sector, predominantly from experts like Mr. Joseph K. Horgle, a celebrated transportation expert. He highlights the critical need to overhaul the weighbridge system, stressing that the current penalties for overloading, capped at GH₵5,000, starkly contrast with the actual damage caused to the roads as a result of overloading.
He advocates for restructuring these penalties to align more closely with the substantial costs associated with road construction and maintenance. The inadequacy of the existing penalty framework not only undermines road infrastructure but perpetuates a cycle of neglect and poor compliance, exacerbating the very problems it seeks to resolve.
Mr. Horgle, who is the Managing Director of J. K. Horgle Transport and Company Limited, further argues that a comprehensive review of the weighbridge system is essential for establishing a more effective regulatory environment. He believes that implementing tiered penalties based on the severity of overloading could serve as a significant deterrent to offenders.
“By introducing a graduated penalty structure, we can ensure that those who cause the most harm to our road infrastructure bear the appropriate costs,” he stated, stressing that this approach would not only promote compliance but also incentivize transport operators to adhere to weight regulations, ultimately leading to safer roads and reduced maintenance costs.
In addition, Mr. Horgle emphasizes the importance of integrating technology into the enforcement process. “Automated weighing systems can provide real-time data and reduce human error, which is often exploited in corrupt practices,” he explains. By leveraging advanced digital solutions, Ghana can enhance monitoring capabilities and ensure more accurate assessments of vehicle loads. This technological integration, combined with a robust penalty system, would foster a culture of accountability within the transport sector, paving the way for a more sustainable and efficient road management framework.
Tackling Corruption Head-On
Mr. Agbodza’s plan includes a proactive digital approach designed to tackle rampant corruption within axle load operations, a sector historically riddled with misconduct. Reacting to his parliamentary vetting, Mr. Horgle candidly remarked, “The issue of axle load operations in Ghana is marred by corruption at all times.” His comments underscore the alarming frequency of cronyism, where certain individuals benefit suspiciously from lucrative toll collection areas and weighbridge stations.
According to Mr. Horgle, by digitizing the toll system, it will help to reduce human interference—a key facilitator of corrupt practices—thus fostering a more transparent and accountable environment for road users and operators.
Learning from Global Best Practices
To shape his strategy, the Roads and Highway Minister has turned to successful international models that have effectively addressed similar challenges. Denmark’s approach of placing axle load enforcement under police oversight ensures rigorous accountability and effective enforcement. Equally, South Africa’s integrated weighing and enforcement system employs a combination of technologies and law enforcement efforts to deter overloading and preserve road infrastructure. By emulating these best practices, Mr. Agbodza seeks to create a robust framework that enhances compliance and strengthens the integrity of Ghana’s road management system.
“The South African model has proven effective in deterring overloading and preserving road infrastructure. By adopting a similar approach, we aim to significantly reduce the wear and tear on our roads, leading to significant cost savings in maintenance and repairs,” said Ing. Victor Owusu, former Chief Executive of the GHA.
According to him, crucially, South Africa’s system features a centralized data monitoring and analysis framework, enabling real-time identification of overloading trends and targeted enforcement efforts.
Technological Integration
Fundamental to the proposed reforms is the integration of advanced technology as Mr. Agbodza envisions a cashless, RFID-based toll collection system, similar to Malaysia’s Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) model, which has demonstrated significant improvements in efficiency and transparency in toll management. “By digitizing the entire toll collection process, we aim to enhance transparency and minimize opportunities for misconduct,” he opined. This technological leap is not merely about modernization; it represents a fundamental shift towards fostering a culture of accountability and trust among road users and stakeholders.
Addressing Infrastructure Funding
In addition to tackling corruption, the digitization initiative is designed to secure sustainable funding for road infrastructure. The Minister had been vocal in his criticism of the previous government’s abolition of road tolls, labeling that decision “illegal” and detrimental to infrastructure development. The reintroduction of a modernized toll system is expected to generate essential revenue, enabling ongoing maintenance and expansion of road networks. This financial stability is crucial for supporting Ghana’s economic growth and ensuring that road infrastructure keeps pace with increasing demand from a growing population and expanding economy.
Commitment to Inclusivity
Recognizing the diverse needs of the population, Mr. Agbodza has pledged to engage stakeholders, including marginalized groups such as persons with disabilities, in the development of the new digital framework. This commitment to inclusivity reflects a broader vision of equitable access to transportation resources, ensuring that all citizens benefit from the improvements made within the system. By involving various stakeholders in the planning process, the government aims to create a transportation system that serves everyone fairly, addressing the unique needs of each community.
Conclusion
As Ghana embarks on this pivotal journey of digitization in road management, the emphasis on transparency, efficiency, and sustainable funding marks a progressive vision for the country’s transportation future. With strong endorsements from experts like Mr. Horgle, who supports the digitalization initiative and recognizes its potential to reduce road traffic and improve compliance, Ghana is poised to set a new standard in Africa for a safer, more resilient, and corruption-free transportation system.
The road ahead may be challenging, laden with obstacles, as the government seeks to implement these ambitious plans. However, with the right strategies, unwavering commitment, and collaboration among stakeholders, a transformative future for Ghana’s transportation landscape is not only possible—it’s within reach. By investing in technology and reforming outdated systems, Ghana can pave the way for a more efficient, fair, and sustainable transportation network that ultimately benefits all citizens.
Source: Innocent Samuel Appiah