Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority Dr. Kofi Mbiah has called for debate from various players in the maritime industry on the new axle-load policy in order to come out with an agreed limit that will make local players competitive in the sub-regional transit trade business.

Speaking to B&FT in an interview, Dr. Mbiah said his outfit believes that a harmonised axle-load limit for the sub-region will enhance free movement of goods and services, adding that the situation whereby the load limit does not favour one side of the competition does not provide for a level playing field.

“We need to debate this axle-load issue. We are concerned about the deterioration of our roads, but we need to balance it against trade efficiency. As a region, we trade among ourselves; so if we have countries that have a higher axle-load limit, there will definitely be a problem in the movement of cargo.

“The need for harmonisation therefore becomes critical; we need a high-level committee at regional level to look at the practical issues on the ground,” he said on the sidelines of a one-day dialogue between officials from the Ministry of Roads and Highways, Ministry of Transport and transporters to deliberate on how to halt the consistent decline in the country’s transit trade business.

Dr. Mbiah said the forum formed part of the Authority’s efforts to pursue appropriate strategies that will enhance the efficiency and competitiveness of the country’s trade and transport industry.

“GSA has a mandate to provide a mutual platform for all stakeholders to meet and deliberate on matters of business interest to them, and endeavour to find solutions to the challenges which plague the industry.”

The one-day dialogue was aimed at specifically finding ways to overcome the challenges emanating from the axle-load policy and its implementation in the country, as well as help to throw light on its essentials.