GPRTU gives government one-week ultimatum to clear traders from bus stops

Transport unions in Ghana, led by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have issued a one-week ultimatum to the government to remove traders from designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways. This demand is addressed to the Ministries of Trade, Industry, Interior, and Local Government. The unions insist that clearing these areas is essential before the official rollout of the TraffiTech-GH enforcement system, which is scheduled to begin on November 1, 2026.

Speaking at a press conference, GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah explained that many major bus stops and pedestrian pathways have been illegally converted into trading zones. This encroachment significantly disrupts vehicle operations and passenger safety, as drivers are often forced to pick up or drop off passengers in unauthorized locations because the correct stops are blocked. These actions are in direct violation of existing road traffic regulations and create hazardous conditions for both commuters and motorists.

The unions expressed specific concern regarding the upcoming implementation of TraffiTech-GH, an automated traffic enforcement system designed to capture road traffic offences via cameras. Under the new regime, drivers fear they will be unfairly penalized for stopping at undesignated areas when the actual bus stops are occupied by traders. The GPRTU emphasized that without clear, accessible terminals and stops, drivers are placed in an impossible position where they must choose between serving passengers and avoiding automated fines.

Beyond the immediate removal of traders, the transport unions are also calling for broader improvements to traffic infrastructure to support the new enforcement system. The one-week deadline serves as a formal call to the relevant ministries to enforce local bylaws and restore order to the country's roads. Failure to act, the unions suggest, could lead to further friction between transport operators and authorities as the November 1 implementation date approaches.