The Member of Parliament for Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai, Bright Asamoah Brefo, has called for tougher enforcement measures against transport unions and haulage companies that continue to operate unsafe container trucks on Ghana’s roads, warning that the practice poses a serious threat to public safety.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament, the legislator expressed concern over what he described as the growing danger of unsecured intermodal containers being transported on highways, a situation he said has contributed to several avoidable road accidents.
Hon. Asamoah Brefo urged the Ministry of Transport and the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) to impose stringent sanctions on transport operators who deploy old and poorly maintained trailers, describing such vehicles as “death traps” that endanger the lives of motorists and pedestrians.
According to him, stronger regulatory action is needed to ensure that only roadworthy vehicles are used for transporting containers across the country.
The MP also called on the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) to introduce an immediate “No Twist Lock, No Gate Out” policy at the Tema Port.
He explained that container trucks should not be permitted to leave the port unless their containers are properly secured with functional mechanical twist locks.
He stressed that the absence of properly engaged twist locks significantly increases the risk of containers falling off moving trucks, potentially leading to fatal crashes and extensive damage to property.
Hon. Asamoah Brefo further proposed strict roadside enforcement measures to deter non-compliance.
He argued that any container truck found on Ghana’s roads without properly engaged mechanical twist locks should be impounded immediately.
“If a container truck is intercepted on any Ghanaian road without engaged mechanical twist locks, that vehicle must be impounded on the spot, the cargo detained and the driver prosecuted,” he stated.
The Bibiani-Anhwiaso-Bekwai MP also appealed to the Ghana Police Service to intensify highway inspections, insisting that officers should move beyond routine document checks and thoroughly examine the physical condition and safety mechanisms of container trucks.
He maintained that rigorous inspections, combined with strict enforcement of existing road safety regulations, would help reduce accidents involving container trucks and improve safety on Ghana’s highways.
Hon. Asamoah Brefo’s remarks add to growing calls for stronger enforcement of road safety standards, particularly in the haulage sector, where concerns over poorly maintained trailers and unsecured containers have continued to raise alarm among road users.
By 1960news.com
