Commercial transport unions in Ghana, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have announced a complete withdrawal of services on Wednesday, November 4, 2026. The decision was made in response to the government's failure to enforce regulations against trading at bus stops and on pedestrian walkways. The unions also expressed frustration over the automated TRAFFITECH-GH system, which issues fines to drivers despite traders occupying designated bus stops.
The transport unions, which include the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, True Drivers Union, Ghana Committed Drivers Association, and Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, have directed drivers to park their vehicles until further notice. According to the groups, no commercial vehicle will operate on Wednesday as part of the planned action. The unions accused the government and the Ghana Police Service of failing to enforce Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180).
The regulation prohibits trading at bus stops and on pedestrian walkways, but the unions argue that drivers are being prevented from operating properly at designated bus stops because traders occupy the spaces. Meanwhile, the government continues to roll out the TRAFFITECH-GH system to issue fines to drivers. The unions stated that "we cannot operate in bus stops occupied by traders and still be fined by cameras."
The transport groups apologized to commuters for the inconvenience but said they had been left with no option. They urged commuters to take note of the planned withdrawal of commercial transport services and make alternative arrangements for their journeys. The notice was signed by the leadership of the GPRTU of TUC and other commercial transport unions.
The TRAFFITECH-GH system has been a point of contention for commercial drivers, who feel that it unfairly penalizes them for circumstances beyond their control. The system's automated fines have been issued to drivers who are operating in areas where traders have taken over designated bus stops.
The nationwide strike by commercial drivers is set to cause significant disruptions to transportation services in Ghana. The strike is also likely to impact the daily activities of commuters who rely on commercial vehicles to get to work, school, and other destinations.
The strike action has been necessitated by the failure of the authorities to address the concerns of commercial drivers, who are demanding a resolution to the issues of illegal street trading and unfair automated fines.
Key points
- Commercial drivers in Ghana will embark on a nationwide strike on November 4, 2026.
- The strike is over issues of illegal street trading and automated TRAFFITECH-GH fines.
- No commercial vehicle will operate on the day of the strike.
