The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, together with Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, has issued a one-week ultimatum to the Ministry of Trade, Ministry of Interior, and the Ministry of Local Government to clear all traders from walkways and bus stops nationwide.

Addressing a critical issue threatening road safety, free flow of traffic and their livelihood as commercial road transport operators, the unions decried the unlawful takeover of their operational spaces.

Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the National Deputy Public Relations Officer (PRO) for GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said designated bus stops, intersections and pedestrian walkways have been taken over by traders, market women and men, and hawkers.

“Bus stops at places like Kaneshie, Accra, CMB, Circle, Madina, Kasoa, Kejetia, Takoradi Market Circle and all major towns have been turned into markets. Pedestrian walkways meant for safe walking have become trading spots,” he lamented.

Mr. Amoah said drivers can no longer pick or drop passengers safely, describing the situation as lawlessness that must stop.

He said the illegal activity is in direct violation of L.I. 2180, the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), Regulation 182 as amended, which states that: “A person shall not trade, sell, display, or offer for sale goods on the road, on the shoulders of a road, at bus stops, lorry parks, pedestrian walkways and other places designated for vehicular and pedestrian use.”

He noted that trading on these facilities causes:
1. Heavy and unnecessary traffic congestion,
2. Frequent road accidents involving pedestrians and vehicles,
3. Obstruction of free movement of commercial vehicles, and
4. Breeding of filth and indiscipline on the roads.

TrafficTech GH Will Fail If Roads Are Not Cleared First

Mr. Amoah also addressed the government’s plan to introduce the new automated traffic enforcement system, TrafficTech GH, to fine drivers who make wrongful stops and pick passengers at unauthorized places.

He stated categorically that the system will fail and will be grossly unfair to drivers if the roads are not cleared first.

“How can you punish a driver for not stopping at a designated bus stop when that bus stop has been occupied by market women and traders? How can a driver be fined for obstruction when traders have left him no space to operate?” he quizzed.

The union therefore demanded that before the introduction and operationalization of TrafficTech GH, all market women and men, traders and hawkers must be completely cleared from all bus stops, lorry terminals, pedestrian walkways and road intersections across the country.

“We cannot digitalize illegality. Clear the road first, then enforce the camera system,” he stressed.

Mr. Amoah warned that if they fail to act, drivers will have no other option than to defend their operational spaces themselves.

“We will not be held responsible for any confrontation that may arise from our legitimate actions. We are law-abiding citizens contributing heavily to the Resetting Ghana Agenda, we should not be frustrated. Enough is enough,” he concluded.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region