Commercial transport operators in Ghana have accused the government of planning to use the Traffitech-GH system to extort money from drivers through traffic fines while allowing traders to occupy designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways. The operators, represented by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, have threatened to suspend public transport services nationwide from November 1.
The operators claim that the government had previously promised to enforce Regulation 142 of L.I. 2519 by removing traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways before introducing the new traffic enforcement system. However, they say that the deadline of October 20 passed without any meaningful action by the government, the Ministry of Local Government, or the police. As a result, bus stops in areas such as Kaneshie, Circle, Madina, Kasoa, and Kejetia remain occupied by traders.
The transport operators argue that it is unfair to subject drivers to camera-based traffic enforcement when the authorities have failed to clear the spaces they are legally expected to use for picking up and dropping off passengers. They claim that this situation will expose drivers to fines and harassment by traffic cameras for offenses arising from the authorities' failure to keep the designated spaces accessible.
The operators have issued an ultimatum, stating that their leadership has resolved to direct drivers across the country to park their vehicles and suspend operations once Traffitech-GH becomes operational on November 1. They have also appealed to commuters to take notice of the planned action and make alternative transport arrangements from Sunday, warning that the suspension could disrupt travel across the country.
The planned nationwide shutdown is a result of the government's alleged failure to address the concerns of the transport operators. The operators say that they will not operate under an unfair and unjust system, adding that "you cannot digitalize illegality." They have called on the government and the police to clear traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways ahead of the system's introduction.
The ultimatum was issued in a statement dated October 31, signed by representatives of the GPRTU, the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana. The statement emphasized that the government will be fully responsible for any inconvenience this action will cause. The transport operators had previously held a joint press conference on October 13 to raise their concerns.
The introduction of Traffitech-GH is scheduled for November 1, and the transport operators are prepared to take drastic action if their concerns are not addressed. The government and the police have not yet responded to the ultimatum, but it is clear that the situation is likely to have significant implications for the country's transportation sector.
Key points
- Transport operators in Ghana threaten to suspend services nationwide from November 1 over concerns about Traffitech-GH and trader occupation of bus stops.
- The operators claim that the government is seeking to extort money from drivers through traffic fines while allowing traders to occupy designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
- The planned nationwide shutdown could disrupt travel across the country if the government's alleged failure to address the concerns of the transport operators is not addressed.
