The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and four other transport unions have suspended their planned nationwide strike following engagements with government over concerns affecting commercial transport operators.
The decision follows a meeting between the transport unions and key government officials on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, during which authorities acknowledged the concerns raised by the operators and gave assurances of steps to address them.
The planned industrial action, which was scheduled for Wednesday, November 4, was prompted by what the unions described as the government’s failure to enforce regulations prohibiting traders from occupying designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
The unions argue that the situation has made it increasingly difficult for commercial drivers to pick up and drop off passengers at authorised locations, forcing some to stop at unauthorised places and exposing them to traffic penalties.
They have also raised concerns about the implementation of the TraffiTech-GH automated traffic enforcement system, arguing that drivers are being penalised for traffic violations even when traders have occupied spaces designated for commercial transport operations.
The operators maintain that it is unfair to subject drivers to automated traffic enforcement while authorities fail to address the challenges preventing them from using designated loading and offloading points.
The concerns centre on Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which the unions say prohibits trading at designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
Speaking on the development, the GPRTU’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, said the decision to suspend the strike followed assurances from government that the concerns would be addressed.
He explained that the unions had been asked to identify areas where traders had taken over designated bus stops and submit the list to the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs for the necessary action.
According to him, the Ministry has assured the operators that the relevant Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) would be directed to remove traders from the affected locations. Authorities are also considering restricting commercial activities in some areas where necessary.
Mr. Amoah said the unions decided to give government the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to resolving the matter rather than proceed with the planned withdrawal of services.
He added that the potential impact of a nationwide strike on commuters and the general public, particularly people who might require emergency transportation to health facilities, also influenced the decision.
The suspension is expected to provide a one-month window for government and the relevant authorities to address the concerns raised by the transport operators.
The planned strike was jointly backed by the GPRTU of the Trades Union Congress, Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, True Drivers Union, Ghana Committed Drivers Association and Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.
The unions are expected to monitor developments during the period and assess the government’s response before determining their next course of action.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
