Commercial drivers in Accra have given government authorities and local assemblies seven days to remove traders and hawkers from designated bus stops, lorry parks and pedestrian walkways, warning that they may take action themselves if their demands are not met.
The drivers, who belong to the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, say the occupation of these spaces has disrupted transport operations and made it difficult for them to pick up and drop off passengers safely.
At a joint press conference on Thursday, October 15, the transport groups called on the Ministry of Local Government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), the Ghana Police Service and the Ministry of Transport to enforce existing regulations and restore order at transport terminals across the country.
They identified several affected areas, including Kaneshie, Accra Central, CMB, Circle, Madina, Kasoa, Kejetia and Takoradi Market Circle, among other major towns.
Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, expressed concern over what he described as the unlawful occupation of designated transport spaces by traders, market women and hawkers.
He said the situation had turned several bus stops and road intersections into trading centres, preventing commercial vehicles from operating efficiently.
According to the drivers, the situation has contributed to traffic congestion, increased the risk of road accidents and forced motorists to load and unload passengers along roadsides.
The groups also referred to Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012, as amended in 2026, which they said prohibits the sale or display of goods on roads, road shoulders, bus stops, lorry parks, pedestrian walkways and other areas reserved for vehicular and pedestrian movement.
They argued that enforcing the regulation would improve road safety, reduce congestion and ensure that transport facilities were used for their intended purposes.
The transport operators also raised concerns about the planned introduction of TrafficTech GH, an automated traffic enforcement system designed to detect and penalise motorists who violate traffic regulations, including stopping at unauthorised locations.
Although they acknowledged the government’s efforts to strengthen traffic enforcement through technology, the drivers warned that implementing the system without first clearing the designated spaces would unfairly penalise commercial motorists.
Mr Amoah questioned how drivers could be expected to use approved bus stops when traders had occupied the areas meant for loading and unloading passengers.
The groups therefore insisted that bus stops, lorry terminals, pedestrian walkways and road intersections must be cleared before the new system becomes operational.
They maintained that introducing digital traffic enforcement without addressing the existing obstruction would undermine the system’s effectiveness and fairness.
The drivers have consequently given the relevant authorities and security agencies a seven-day deadline to remove traders and hawkers from the affected areas nationwide.
They warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum could force them to take matters into their own hands by removing the traders themselves.
