GPRTU: Opposes Ghana L.I. 2519 Vehicle Auction, Demands Review

• The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is advocating for a review of specific traffic regulations.
• Their concern targets a provision in L.I. 2519, Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations, 2026.
• This regulation permits authorities to auction broken-down vehicles after 21 days in holding areas.
• While supporting immediate road clearance, the GPRTU opposes the swift auctioning of impounded vehicles.

While the GPRTU fully supports the principle of promptly clearing broken-down vehicles from Ghana's roads to ensure traffic flow and safety, its disagreement lies squarely with the subsequent process of auctioning these impounded assets.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has voiced significant concerns regarding a specific provision within Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations, 2026, codified as L.I. 2519. This prominent transport union is actively seeking a comprehensive review of the regulation, particularly focusing on a clause that permits state authorities to auction off vehicles deemed broken-down. The GPRTU's opposition centers on the timeframe and mechanism for disposing of such vehicles once they have been removed from public thoroughfares.

Under the current regulatory framework, vehicles that become inoperable and are subsequently moved to designated holding facilities can be subjected to auction after a period of just 21 days. While the GPRTU fully supports the principle of promptly clearing broken-down vehicles from Ghana's roads to ensure traffic flow and safety, its disagreement lies squarely with the subsequent process of auctioning these impounded assets. The union contends that while immediate removal is necessary, the swift auctioning mechanism outlined in L.I. 2519 warrants reconsideration and amendment.

The contentious provision is embedded within the broader Ghana Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which governs various aspects of vehicle operation and road safety across the nation. This legislative instrument grants specific powers to authorities to manage situations involving vehicles that are no longer operational on public roads. The intent behind such regulations is typically to maintain order, prevent obstructions, and ensure the efficient movement of traffic, which the GPRTU acknowledges as a valid objective.

Specifically, L.I. 2519 outlines a procedure where vehicles that break down and are left unattended or are otherwise deemed impediments to traffic can be impounded. Following their removal from the road, these vehicles are then transported to designated holding areas. The critical point of contention, and the focus of the GPRTU's L.I. 2519 21-day vehicle auction challenge, is the stipulation that these vehicles become eligible for public auction after a mere three-week period if they remain unclaimed or unaddressed by their owners. This short window for recovery before auction is what the GPRTU seeks to amend.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union, a key stakeholder in the nation's transport sector, has articulated a clear position on this matter. The union's leadership has emphasized its unwavering support for the initial phase of the regulation, which mandates the swift removal of broken-down vehicles from roads. This aspect of the Ghana Road Traffic Regulations 2026 review is not in dispute, as the GPRTU recognizes the operational necessity and public safety benefits of keeping roads clear.

However, the GPRTU's opposition intensifies when it comes to the subsequent auctioning of these vehicles after the stipulated 21-day impoundment period. The union argues against this particular facet of the provision, indicating that while the immediate clearing of obstructions is vital, the process for reclaiming or resolving the status of an impounded vehicle should allow for a more reasonable timeframe or alternative arrangements before resorting to auction. The GPRTU broken-down vehicle impoundment concerns highlight a perceived imbalance between the need for road clearance and the rights or practicalities faced by vehicle owners.

Lawyers advising transport companies or individuals whose vehicles are impounded under Ghana's Road Traffic Regulations, L.I. 2519, should monitor developments regarding the GPRTU's opposition to the 21-day auction provision, as it signals potential amendments or legal challenges affecting vehicle recovery processes and client liabilities.

Source: Reporting based on source information.