Transport operators threaten nationwide strike as Traffitech-GH begins on Nov 1

Commercial transport operators have threatened to suspend services nationwide on November 1, when the Traffitech-GH system is scheduled to become operational, accusing the government and the police of failing to clear traders from designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

The operators, led by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, say they will direct their members to park their vehicles if the authorities proceed with the rollout without addressing their concerns.

In a statement dated October 31, 2026, the groups said they had given the government and the Ghana Police Service until October 20 to enforce Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which they cited as the legal basis for clearing traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

They said the deadline had passed without the action they were demanding.

According to the operators, bus stops in areas including Kaneshie, Circle, Madina, Kasoa and Kejetia, as well as those in other major towns, remained occupied by traders.

The groups argue that introducing camera-based traffic enforcement while designated stopping areas remain obstructed would expose drivers to penalties for circumstances they say are beyond their control.

Operators accuse government of unfair enforcement

The transport groups contend that the authorities should address the occupation of bus stops before using the new system to enforce traffic regulations.

They accused the government of seeking to impose fines on drivers without first resolving what they described as the failure to protect legally designated spaces for loading and unloading passengers.

“This shows clearly that Government wants to use TRAFFITECH-GH to extort money from innocent drivers while leaving traders to take over our legally designated spaces,” the statement said.

The operators said they would not accept a system they considered unfair, warning that drivers should not be penalised for stopping or operating in areas where traders had allegedly taken over designated transport spaces.

“We will not operate under an unfair and unjust system. You cannot digitalize illegality,” they declared.

Travelling public warned

The groups said they would direct drivers to suspend operations as soon as Traffitech-GH became operational on November 1.

They also urged commuters to make alternative transport arrangements from that date, warning that the planned action could disrupt movement if the dispute remained unresolved.

“The Government will be fully responsible for any inconvenience this action will cause,” the statement added.

The proposed shutdown follows an earlier joint press conference on October 13, during which the operators said they had called on the government and the police to clear traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways before the system’s introduction.

The latest statement was signed by Samuel Amoah, National Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU of TUC; Asonaba Nana Owiredu, National Chairman of the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana; Paa Willie, National Chairman of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana; David Agboado, National PRO of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana; and Yaw Barimah, National PRO of the Commercial Transport Operators/True Drivers Union.

The government, the Ministry of Local Government and the Ghana Police Service are yet to respond to the allegations in the statement.