The Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) has responded to allegations of malfeasance made by Samuel Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram, on TV3’s Current Affairs program, The Key Points.
The GHA claims that the facts presented by the MP are not entirely accurate and have created an erroneous depiction of events.
At the center of the controversy is the Akom Axle Load Station in the Ashanti Region, where a supervisor was accused of falsifying records and deleting transactions to conceal discrepancies in fines collected.
The GHA has launched an audit inquiry into the activities of the station and has taken steps to maintain the integrity of operations, including enhanced supervision and reinforced protocols.
The supervisor in question, whose name has been withheld, was initially engaged as a cashier and later promoted to supervisor.
While there was an initial increase in fines collected after she took over, management noticed a decline in fines and discrepancies in the figures submitted.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the supervisor had edited software data and deleted transactions to conceal the discrepancies.
The GHA has denied allegations that the supervisor was dismissed, stating that her six-month appointment ended on November 6, 2024.
Although she reapplied for the position, she has refused to answer queries raised about her malfeasance, and management has yet to decide on her re-engagement.
The GHA has reaffirmed its commitment to a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption or misconduct, citing recent cases where officers were interdicted and dismissed for misconduct related to axle load operations.
The matter is currently with the Office of the Attorney General for prosecution.
The controversy has raised questions about the effectiveness of the axle load control program, which is intended to prevent the deterioration of trunk roads due to overloading and vehicles exceeding allowable height limits.
The GHA maintains that the program is not designed to generate revenue for the state but rather to ensure the safety and maintenance of roads.
In a related development, the GHA has been facing challenges in maintaining the country’s road network, with delays in payment affecting road maintenance projects.
The authority has been working to address these challenges and ensure that the country’s roads are safe and well-maintained.
BY Daniel Bampoe
