Ghana Private Road Transport Union issues one-week ultimatum to clear traders

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport unions have issued a one-week ultimatum to the government to remove traders from designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways across the country. The unions have directed this demand specifically to the Ministries of Trade, Interior, and Local Government, insisting that immediate action be taken before the scheduled implementation of the TraffiTech-GH enforcement system on November 1, 2026. Speaking at a press conference, GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah expressed grave concern over the conversion of major bus stops and pedestrian pathways into marketplaces. He noted that this widespread violation of road traffic regulations not only disrupts passenger pick-up and drop-off points but also creates significant safety hazards for both drivers and commuters. According to the union, the persistent presence of traders in these zones makes it nearly impossible for commercial vehicles to operate within the law. A primary motivation for the ultimatum is the impending launch of TraffiTech-GH, an automated traffic enforcement system designed to capture road traffic offenses via cameras. The GPRTU argues that unless the bus stops are cleared, drivers will be unfairly penalized by the system for stopping in unauthorized areas. The union highlighted that their members are often forced to stop in the middle of the road because dedicated bus bays are occupied by stalls and merchandise, which will trigger automatic fines under the new regime. In addition to the removal of traders, the transport unions are calling for broader improvements to traffic infrastructure to ensure the success of the new enforcement technology. They maintain that for TraffiTech-GH to be fair and effective, the government must first ensure that the road environment is clear and that all designated stops are accessible. The unions warned that they expect a resolution within the seven-day period to prevent further disruption to transport services.