Transport unions give government one week to clear traders from bus stops

Some transport unions have given the Ministries of Trade, Interior, and Local Government a one-week ultimatum to remove traders and hawkers occupying designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways across the country ahead of the full implementation of TraffiTech-GH on November 1, 2026.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana say the encroachment on bus stops, intersections and pedestrian walkways is making it difficult for commercial drivers to safely pick up and drop off passengers.

They also warned that the situation poses serious safety risks to pedestrians and other road users.

Speaking at a press conference, GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah described the development as unacceptable and called on the relevant authorities to enforce existing road traffic regulations.

He said several major transport hubs had seen designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways converted into trading spaces.

“Bus stops at places like Kaneshie, Accra CMB, Circle, Madina, Kasoa, Kejetia, Takoradi Market Circle and all major towns have been turned into markets. Pedestrian walkways meant for safe walking have become trading stalls. Drivers can no longer pick or drop passengers safely,” he said.

Mr Amoah said the occupation of the spaces contravened Regulation 182 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), as amended.

He therefore urged the Ministries of Trade, Interior, and Local Government to act within one week to clear the affected areas before the new traffic enforcement system is fully operational.

Drivers raise concerns over penalties

Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association, Paa George Williams, also criticised the situation, arguing that drivers should not be penalised for stopping at unauthorised locations when approved bus stops have been occupied by traders.

He called on the government to address the challenge by ensuring that designated loading and unloading points remain accessible to commercial vehicles.

Mr Williams further appealed to the authorities to repair and modernise traffic lights and other road infrastructure as part of efforts to improve traffic management and road safety.

The unions said clearing the affected areas ahead of the November 1 implementation of TraffiTech-GH would help create a safer and more orderly environment for both drivers and other road users.