The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has threatened to embark on a nationwide sit-down strike on Wednesday, November 4, if authorities fail to address concerns surrounding the implementation of Regulation 146 of the new Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2519.
The union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, says the planned industrial action is not necessarily against the introduction of the TraffiTech-GH system but what he describes as the selective enforcement of provisions in the new road traffic regulations.
Speaking in an interview on TV3’s New Day, Amoah said the union had given authorities additional time to address its concerns but would be left with no option but to embark on the strike if nothing changed.
He explained that Regulation 146 addresses the presence of hawkers and traders occupying sidewalks and spaces designated for commercial transport operations, arguing that their activities have made it difficult for drivers to comply with the new traffic rules.
According to him, drivers are increasingly being arrested for parking at unauthorised locations, even when spaces designated for their operations have been taken over by traders.
He cited areas such as Lapaz, Madina and parts of Kumasi, including Santasi, where he said traders have occupied spaces that should be available for commercial transport activities.
Amoah also raised concerns about pedestrian safety, warning that the displacement of pedestrians onto the roads due to encroachment on sidewalks could expose them to danger and create additional challenges for drivers.
He questioned why authorities were concentrating on enforcing Regulation 242, which deals with traffic violations by motorists, while failing to address Regulation 146, which he believes would help resolve some of the challenges facing transport operators.
He argued that the apparent imbalance in enforcement gives the impression that authorities are more interested in penalising drivers than addressing violations by traders and other road users.
Amoah further pointed out that the new L.I. provides for police action against drivers who park at unauthorised locations, but also contains provisions addressing the occupation of designated parking spaces and sidewalks by traders.
He insisted that both provisions must be enforced to ensure fairness and create an environment where drivers can comply with traffic regulations without being unfairly penalised.
The GPRTU’s position is that authorities must first clear unauthorised occupants from designated transport spaces and sidewalks before expecting drivers to fully comply with the new enforcement measures.
The threatened sit-down strike could affect commercial transport services across the country if the union proceeds with its planned action.