Aayalolo Boss averts sit-down strike after drivers' alleged assault by AMA boss’ entourage

A sit-down strike by drivers and staff of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service was narrowly averted on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after the Acting Managing Director of the Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive (GAPTE), Awudu Dawuda Esq., intervened to restore calm following a violent altercation involving personnel from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) and some Aayalolo workers at the Kinbu terminal in Accra’s Central Business District.

The confrontation reportedly occurred during the second day of a standoff between Aayalolo staff and a group alleged to be supporters and associates of the AMA, led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey. Witnesses said members of the Mayor’s entourage physically assaulted several Aayalolo staff during the altercation.

According to eyewitnesses, tensions erupted when the group — believed to have taken control of the terminal’s parking operations — attempted to resume their activities despite resistance from GAPTE staff, the official operators of the Aayalolo BRT.

Matters escalated when the Mayor allegedly ordered the arrest of an Aayalolo staff member, accusing him of obstructing operations. Witnesses told Classfmonline.com that the worker’s only “offence” was responding to the Mayor’s threat to tow parked buses by saying that more buses would be brought by management.

Another staff member was reportedly beaten and stripped of his shirt, while a driver was slapped in the presence of police officers, the Mayor, and GAPTE officials after uttering the phrase “massa massa” — a remark that the Mayor’s guard deemed disrespectful.

Eyewitnesses further alleged that the Mayor made politically charged comments, claiming that under the previous government, a known NPP member managed the facility without interference, questioning why GAPTE was reclaiming it under the current NDC administration.

In protest, Aayalolo drivers threatened to park their buses and withdraw services, citing safety concerns — a move that could have paralyzed public transport and stranded thousands of commuters across Accra.

However, GAPTE’s Acting Managing Director, Awudu Dawuda, intervened swiftly, engaging with the drivers and assuring them of management’s commitment to their safety and to seeking justice for the assaulted staff. After initial hesitation, the drivers agreed to resume operations, averting a potential citywide transport disruption.

The incident has triggered widespread public outrage, with many calling for an independent investigation into the conduct of the AMA officials and condemning the alleged politicisation of public transport operations.

Observers say the confrontation highlights the urgent need for clear delineation of management authority over Aayalolo terminals to prevent further clashes and ensure uninterrupted service delivery for commuters.