Ghana Commercial Drivers Issue Ultimatum: Remove Traders from Terminals

• Commercial drivers in Accra have issued a seven-day ultimatum for authorities to clear traders from public transport spaces.
• The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other associations warn of self-help actions if designated bus stops and lorry parks remain occupied.
• Drivers cite Regulation 182 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which prohibits trading in these areas, and demand its enforcement.
• They argue that the planned TrafficTech GH automated enforcement system would be unfair if drivers are penalized for not using bus stops occupied by traders.
• The groups insist that all public transport facilities must be cleared before the new enforcement system is activated.

Their powerful assertion, "We cannot digitalise illegality," encapsulates their position that technology should not be used to enforce regulations in an environment where the fundamental conditions for compliance are absent.

Commercial drivers across Accra have issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to both the government and local authorities, demanding the immediate removal of traders from designated public transport spaces. This collective action, spearheaded by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, warns of potential self-help measures if their demands are not met. The drivers assert that the pervasive presence of traders, market women, and hawkers in areas specifically allocated for passenger loading and offloading has severely compromised the safety and efficiency of their operations.

The groups highlighted that this "total and unlawful takeover" extends beyond bus stops to include lorry parks and pedestrian walkways, creating significant operational challenges. Locations such as Kaneshie, Accra Central, CMB, Circle, Madina, Kasoa, Kejetia, and Takoradi Market Circle, along with other major towns, have been specifically cited as areas where trading activities have transformed public transport facilities into makeshift markets. This encroachment, according to the drivers, has led to a critical increase in traffic congestion and a heightened risk of road accidents, forcing them to resort to unsafe roadside pickups and drop-offs.

Samuel Amoah, the Deputy Public Relations Officer for the GPRTU, articulated the profound frustration within the commercial driving community, emphasizing that drivers are no longer able to safely conduct their daily duties. He stressed the urgency of addressing this "lawlessness" to restore order and safety within Ghana's transport terminals. The ultimatum underscores a growing impatience among transport operators regarding the persistent disruption of essential public infrastructure.

Central to the drivers' demands is the enforcement of existing legal provisions designed to regulate public spaces. They specifically referenced Regulation 182 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which was amended in 2026. This regulation explicitly prohibits the sale, display, or offering of goods on roads, road shoulders, bus stops, lorry parks, pedestrian walkways, and any other spaces designated for vehicular or pedestrian use. The commercial transport groups contend that adherence to this regulation is crucial for enhancing road safety, alleviating congestion, and ensuring that public transport facilities serve their intended purpose effectively.

During a joint press conference held on Thursday, October 15, the associations collectively appealed to several key government entities to intervene. They called upon the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Ministry of Transport to take decisive action. Their plea is for these authorities to uphold the established transport regulations and re-establish order within the country's transport terminals, which are currently being misused by traders.

The drivers' insistence on the enforcement of Regulation 182 underscores a belief that the legal framework is already in place to address the issue. Their primary concern is the lack of consistent application and oversight from the responsible authorities. This situation, they argue, not only undermines the rule of law but also directly impacts the operational viability and safety of commercial transport services across Ghana.

Adding another layer of complexity to the situation is the impending rollout of TrafficTech GH, an automated traffic enforcement system. This new technology is designed to identify and penalize motorists for various traffic offenses, including stopping in unauthorized locations. While acknowledging the government's initiative to modernize traffic management, the commercial drivers have voiced significant TrafficTech GH enforcement concerns. They argue that it would be inherently unfair to penalize drivers for failing to utilize designated bus stops when these very spaces are inaccessible due to occupation by traders and hawkers.

Samuel Amoah questioned the logic of such a system, stating that it "will fail and will be grossly unfair to drivers if roads are not cleared first." He posed rhetorical questions, asking how a driver could be punished for not stopping at an occupied bus stop or fined for obstruction when no operational space is available. The groups firmly believe that the integrity of the new enforcement system hinges on the prior resolution of the current encroachment problem.

The transport operators unequivocally stated that bus stops, lorry terminals, pedestrian walkways, and road intersections must be cleared of all trading activities before TrafficTech GH becomes operational. Their powerful assertion, "We cannot digitalise illegality," encapsulates their position that technology should not be used to enforce regulations in an environment where the fundamental conditions for compliance are absent. This stance highlights a potential for legal challenges or widespread operational disruptions if the authorities proceed with the system's implementation without first addressing the drivers' ultimatum regarding the traders.

Lawyers advising transport operators or local government bodies in Ghana should monitor the enforcement of Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, as commercial drivers threaten action over occupied public transport spaces. The impending rollout of TrafficTech GH raises compliance concerns regarding fair penalties for drivers if designated stops remain inaccessible, potentially leading to legal challenges or operational disruptions.

Source: Original reporting via Myjoyonline.com