Situational Analysis of the Phenomenon of the Freight Truck Overload on West African International Highways

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to analysis the phenomenon of freight overloading on West African highways. The study had its objectives to examine the predisposing factors that gave rise to freight overload and identify their respective socio-economic implications. The researcher also described how stakeholders regulate freight overload through a pure qualitative research process. The participants of the study involved 20 drivers, purposely sampled, who plied the three corridors of Ghana, as well as the security services and other stakeholders who were conveniently sampled. Through focus group discussion, interviews, issuing of questionnaires and participant observations, the data revealed that, though security personnel are mandated to inspect the certifications of freight loads, some of them engaged in an 'ugly' act of collecting monies from drivers whether they overload beyond the legal axle weight limit or not. These inactions caused freight merchants to compel their drivers to overload their trucks which posed financial stress on the Government in maintaining and improving bad roads. Economic reasons were the main influence on freight overloading, as the drivers made up for the sums of money given to security officers as bribes. It was recommended that through corporate bodies like Borderless Alliance and the Ghana Shippers Authority, public sensitization should be maximized in the form of forums, workshops and seminars. Based on the findings of the study, it was further suggested that the introduction of entrenched laws and prosecution of persons involved in bribery would deter other personnel from engaging in such acts.