Shearography mooted as solution to Ghana’s used tyre problem

Shearography is often used to inspect tyre casings for damage prior to retreading, and this technology may soon be employed to check the quality of used tyres imported into Ghana. Official news agency the GNA reports that the Ministry of Transport in Ghana is considering shearographic screening of part-worns as a means of weeding out sub-standard tyres.

The use of shearography was suggested by Lawrence Kumi, director of the ministry’s Research, Statistics and Information Department, and comes as Ghana prepares to introduce new tyre importation and use guidelines (Regulation 62 of Road Traffic Regulation 2012, LI 2180) on 1 September. Kumi states that the prevalence of sub-standard used tyres in Ghana is on the rise, and most used tyres entering the market either exceed the maximum manufacturer-recommended age or have a reduced lifespan due to some other factor.

Should Ghana decide to adopt shearography in its fight against sub-standard used tyres, the screening equipment would be set up in port facilities that receive shipments of these products. According to the GNA, at least 20,000 truck tyres could be scanned each day by a single, port-based shearographic unit.