The Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) have suspended their planned nationwide strike, initially scheduled to take effect on May 19, 2025. The strike was called off following assurances from the government to address the growing issue of roadside trading and congestion that has been affecting transport operators across the country.
Background of the strike
The strike was originally declared in protest against the government’s alleged failure to enforce aspects of the Road Traffic Regulations Act 2012, which prohibits street trading on roads, pavements, and designated bus stops.
Drivers had expressed frustration over the increasing presence of traders along major roads, which they claimed was obstructing traffic flow and negatively impacting their earnings.
Samuel Amoah, Deputy PRO of the GPRTU, had earlier stated that drivers were left with no choice but to violate road rules due to the obstruction caused by traders.
“Every day, we are fined because we are forced to stop where we shouldn’t, just to navigate these markets. It’s affecting our earnings. Something must be done, and if meaningful action is not taken immediately, we will park our vehicles and protest,” he said.
Government intervention and assurances
Following a closed-door meeting with the Minister for Transport, the drivers’ unions agreed to temporarily halt their industrial action, pending the government’s fulfillment of its promises.
The Minister assured transport operators that measures would be put in place to regulate roadside trading and improve traffic conditions.
National Public Relations Officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, emphasized that the suspension of the strike was conditional. “I am sounding this caution to the Mayor that we do not want tomorrow to be a nine-day wonder. If tomorrow they are cleared off the street, and they come back the next day, they should be assured that we will also sit down and not work,” he warned.
Reactions from stakeholders
While transport operators welcomed the government’s assurances, they remained cautious about the implementation of the promised measures.
Some trader groups acknowledged the concerns raised by drivers and pledged to regulate trading activities to minimize disruptions. The Lapaz Traders Association, for instance, announced plans to monitor and enforce safe trading practices.
“We understand the concerns of transport operators, and we are putting measures in place to ensure traders comply with safe trading practices. We even have a task force that goes around to make sure traders adhere to guidelines when setting up by the roadside,” said Shadrack Bimpong, Chairman of the Lapaz Traders Association.
Potential impact and next steps
The suspension of the strike brings temporary relief to commuters who had been bracing for disruptions in public transport services. However, transport operators have made it clear that they will resume their protest if enforcement measures are not sustained. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding a potential reduction in transport fares, following the recent appreciation of the Ghana cedi.
GPRTU’s Industrial Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, confirmed that a follow-up meeting would be held to finalize discussions on fare adjustments. “It was a marathon meeting. The Transport Ministry is looking for some percentage, and the transport operators are also looking for some percentage. Finally, we closed halfway. We are going back, and tomorrow we will come and meet them to discuss the final decision,” he stated.
As the government works to implement its promises, transport operators and traders alike will be watching closely to ensure that the measures lead to lasting improvements in road congestion and trading regulations.
