Kintampo, March 8, GNA - The Kintampo Branch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in collaboration with the BUSAC Fund is advocating for the creation of a spacious and modern bus terminal in Kintampo.
Both organizations are also calling for the efficient regulation of transport operations within and outside the existing transport terminals in Kintampo.
A study conducted by the two institutions as part of their advocacy action showed that Kintampo had a comparative advantage in farming, marketing and transportation to develop into a commercial hub like Techiman and Kumasi but the appropriate environment for the local economy to take off has been lacking for a long time.
These were disclosed by Mr Philip Ankomah, a Consultant of the GPRTU on the project in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) at Kintampo on Thursday.
He explained the transport industry was faced with numerous challenges such as the small and ad-hoc nature of the country's bus terminals (stations) and the inadequate and poor nature of basic social infrastructure such as access roads, water, place of convenience but few.
'Not all, there is inadequate supervision and regulation of activities of commercial transport operators within existing bus terminals. This reduces the direct, indirect and relevant and relevant impact of transportation on local economic development,' he added.
Mr Ankomah pointed out that the construction of a proper transport terminal would help in terms of job openings and income levels which would translate into higher revenue for government.
'Thus a win-win situation for both the private and public sectors is achieved. To ensure the growth and survival of the industry, it requires collective action in creating the enabling environment for the private sector business to grow,' he added.
Mr Ankomah said a modern bus terminal would be economically efficient and competitive in the medium term to create a major transport station provided with basic transport terminal facilities and well managed than what was in existence.
He said the Kintampo Municipal Assembly in the short term must endeavour to upgrade facilities at the new station, properly plan and manage use of parking and loading spaces as well as the entrance and exit to the main station.
In addition, the Assembly must take steps to rehabilitate the old station, properly plan and manage use of the station for commercial vehicles operating within Kintampo, take a decision and develop a lorry park attached to the market.
Mr Ankomah said a car park must be developed for cars that parked on the shoulders of the road for a fee.
He said the idea of constructing an international transport terminal must be revived and done in the appropriate manner.
'The various transport unions should be willing to support the Assembly to make the objective of the action materialize,' Mr Ankomah stressed.
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