The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a directive to traders occupying unauthorized bus stops across the metropolis, giving them 48 hours to vacate the locations ahead of an enforcement exercise. This move aims to restore order, ease congestion, and improve road safety by ensuring that designated bus stops remain accessible to commercial vehicles and pedestrians. The directive was announced in a press release dated November 4, 2026.
The AMA's decision was prompted by concerns from transport operators over roadside trading, which obstructs the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, contributes to traffic congestion, and forces commuters to board and alight at unsafe locations, increasing the risk of road accidents. The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, had already initiated enforcement measures involving the removal of traders from unauthorized spaces at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota, and parts of the Central Business District.
The enforcement exercise is part of a broader effort to address the issue of roadside trading in Accra. The AMA warned traders against returning to cleared locations, saying reoccupation could lead to further enforcement action, including prosecution under its by-laws. The Assembly remains committed to maintaining public order, promoting road safety, and ensuring the proper use of public spaces across Accra.
The directive comes as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have suspended a planned sit-down strike over trading activities along road corridors. The two transport groups had announced the proposed industrial action on November 2, accusing authorities of failing to clear roadsides of trading activities.
Following a meeting with the Ministers of the Interior, Transport, and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs on November 3, the unions said they had received assurances that their concerns would be addressed. A committee has been formed to identify areas affected by roadside trading and recommend measures to address the problem.
Although the unions have called off the planned strike, they have given the government 30 days to resolve their concerns, warning that failure to meet the deadline could trigger industrial action. The unions expect all their concerns raised during the meeting to be addressed within 30 days, including trading activities on road corridors, adequate signage, sustained public education, and continued engagement with transport operators.
The AMA's directive and the suspension of the strike by the transport unions reflect a coordinated effort by authorities to address the issues of roadside trading and transport operations in Accra. The outcome of these efforts will be closely watched by stakeholders, including traders, transport operators, and commuters, who are all affected by the issues.
Key points
- The Accra Metropolitan Assembly has given traders 48 hours to vacate unauthorized bus stops ahead of an enforcement exercise.
- The Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council have suspended a planned strike after receiving assurances from the government that their concerns will be addressed.
- The government has been given 30 days to resolve the concerns of the transport unions, including addressing trading activities on road corridors.
