The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have suspended their proposed nationwide sit-down strike. This decision comes after the government assured them that measures would be taken to address concerns surrounding commercial trading activities along major road corridors. The two transport organisations had announced the intended industrial action on November 2, 2026.
The planned demonstration of industrial displeasure was expected to affect commercial transportation services nationwide, potentially disrupting the movement of commuters and other road users. However, the latest development means public and commercial transport operations will continue uninterrupted following the decision by the unions to suspend their intended action. The unions had cited the authorities' persistent failure to remove traders operating along roads and other designated transport corridors as the reason for their intended strike.
In a joint communiqué released on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, the two organisations explained that the decision followed discussions with the Ministers responsible for the Interior, Transport, and Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs. The meeting was held on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. According to the unions, the government representatives gave assurances that their grievances would receive attention, particularly concerns relating to roadside trading and the installation of sufficient traffic signs.
The discussions also culminated in the establishment of a committee tasked with identifying locations affected by trading activities along roadways and proposing appropriate interventions to resolve the situation. The committee's formation is a key step towards addressing the concerns of the transport unions. The government has committed to addressing the issues raised by the unions, including roadside trading and inadequate signage.
Despite suspending the planned industrial action, the GPRTU and GRTCC maintained that the government had 30 days to fulfil the commitments made during the engagement and resolve the concerns presented by the transport organisations. They cautioned that failure to implement the agreed measures within the stipulated period could compel them to reconsider their decision and proceed with the previously announced sit-down strike.
The two transport bodies expressed appreciation to the ministers for their swift response and willingness to engage with industry representatives. They also extended an apology to commuters and members of the public for the uncertainty and potential inconvenience arising from the proposed industrial action. The unions reaffirmed their expectation that the government's assurances would translate into concrete measures within the agreed timeframe.
The suspension of the strike is a relief to commuters and the general public, who would have been affected by the industrial action. The government's intervention has averted a potential disruption to commercial transportation services nationwide. The GPRTU and GRTCC's decision to suspend the strike demonstrates a willingness to engage in dialogue and find solutions to the issues affecting the transport sector.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government has assured the transport unions that their concerns will be addressed within 30 days.
- A committee has been established to identify locations affected by trading activities along roadways and propose interventions.
- The transport unions had planned a nationwide sit-down strike in protest against the authorities' failure to remove traders operating along roads and designated transport corridors.
