Police impose three-day ban on concrete mixer trucks in Accra and Tema over road safety concerns

The Ghana Police Service has ordered a temporary suspension of operations for all concrete mixer trucks in Accra and Tema, effective Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, 2026.

The three-day restriction, announced in a statement on Thursday, follows a high-level stakeholder engagement led by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, under the auspices of the National Security Secretariat . The meeting brought together owners and operators of transit mixer trucks, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Roads and Highways and the Ghana Highways Authority, to address growing concerns over road safety and infrastructure damage .

Spillage Concerns Prompt Emergency Action

According to police authorities, the primary driver of the suspension is the persistent issue of concrete spillage from mixer trucks during transportation and delivery operations. Stakeholders at the meeting highlighted that such spillages obstruct traffic, create significant hazards for motorists and pedestrians, and cause substantial damage to road surfaces .

The police statement warned that concrete deposits on roads have become a recurring problem, contributing to the deterioration of key road infrastructure in both cities. Operators were urged to take immediate steps to ensure that materials are not discharged or left on public roads during their operations .

Enforcement and Cleanup Operation

The temporary suspension is intended to provide authorities with a critical window to clear and clean road surfaces affected by accumulated concrete and debris . During the suspension period, concrete mixer trucks will be strictly barred from undertaking delivery operations within the affected areas.

The police issued a stern warning that any vehicle found operating in breach of the directive will face appropriate enforcement action in accordance with the law .

Broader Context of Road Safety Measures

This directive forms part of a broader effort by security authorities to improve compliance with road traffic regulations and address problems linked to the use of heavy commercial vehicles on Ghana’s roads . The engagement comes amid ongoing government initiatives to reform the Axle Load Control Programme, which has been identified as a critical component in addressing road deterioration caused by heavy cargo vehicles .

In recent years, the Ministry of Roads and Highways has intensified efforts to enhance road safety, including increasing fines for overloaded trucks from GH₵5,000 to GH₵50,000 and considering measures to confiscate goods from vehicles found in violation of load regulations . The police directive represents another layer of enforcement aimed at protecting public infrastructure and ensuring the safety of all road users.

The statement was signed by the Director-General of Public Affairs, Deputy Commissioner of Police Grace Ansah-Akrofi .