Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana has given the government a seven (7) day ultimatum to evacuate traders along pedestrians’ walkways and bus stops.
The union says it will give the government up to May 19,2025 to address these concerns.
The group made this known during a press conference at the Lapaz -Tema lorry station in Accra.
According to the group, this is a matter of urgent national concern, especially as the continuous operations of traders at bus stops pose threat to the lives of pedestrians and other road users.
“These bus stops used to be safe, accessible, and well-demarcated spaces for commercial vehicles to pick and drop off passengers, but they have now been taken over by hawkers and traders,” the group noted.
At nearly every major bus stop across the country, traders have set up tables, kiosks, and display goods right on the bus stop lanes and pedestrian walkways, the drivers lamented.
“This reckless encroachment is endangering the lives of passengers who now stand close to the middle of busy roads to board vehicles, creating serious traffic congestion in already crowded area which sometimes
results in accidents and conflict between drivers and pedestrians.”
The group went on to say, “We commercial Transport Operators Ghana are calling on the Government of Ghana, the Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Road and Highways as well as all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), to act now,” they stated.
The group further demandef the immediate removal of traders from all bus stops and walkways, saying such activities “violates the Road Traffic Regulations Act, 2012 (L.I. 2180).”
Such spaces, they argued, “must be restored to their original purpose for safe boarding and alighting of passengers.”
“We further entrust all city authorities to enforce existing bylaws to clear the bus stops without delay.”
They also pleaded for sustainable market spaces to be provided for traders to operate safely without interfering with transport operations.
They pleased with City Authorities to deploy task forces to monitor and prevent re-encroachment after the clearance.
“We do not want to inconvenience the public, but we must act to protect lives, property, and our livelihoods. This is not just drivers’ problem, it is a public safety issue.”
Source: Myxyzonline.com
