Accra:Commercial drivers across the nation's capital and major urban centers have issued a seven-day ultimatum to government and local authorities to remove street traders and hawkers from bus stops, lorry parks, and pedestrian walkways. The transport operators warned that failure to act within the given timeframe could force them to take matters into their own hands.
According to Ghana Web, the protest includes key transport unions such as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana. They argue that the presence of traders has severely impacted their ability to conduct safe loading and offloading operations.
During a joint press conference, the unions called on the Ministry of Local Government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly, the Ghana Police Service, and the Ministry of Transport to enforce existing bye-laws and traffic regulations. They highlighted congestion hotspots like Kaneshie, Accra Central, and others as severely affected.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, expressed dissatisfaction over the illegal occupation of transport infrastructure. He noted that this occupation has heightened traffic congestion and increased the risk of accidents, forcing drivers to use active carriageways for passenger drop-offs.
The unions emphasized the importance of adhering to Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, which forbids selling goods on roads and transport facilities. They also raised concerns about the upcoming TrafficTech GH initiative, arguing that it is unfair to penalize drivers when bus stops are occupied by traders.
The coalition reiterated their ultimatum, demanding that public infrastructure be reclaimed for its intended use and warning that the seven-day notice is a final call for action.