The unions accuse government of failing to stop traders from occupying bus stops and pedestrian walkways, arguing that drivers are being unfairly penalised for traffic violations.
Five transport unions in Ghana have announced a nationwide shutdown of commercial transport operations on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, in protest against what they describe as the government’s failure to enforce regulations prohibiting trading at bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
The unions, in a statement dated November 1, said the planned action had become necessary because authorities had allegedly failed to enforce Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), which they say prohibits trading at designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.
The planned shutdown is expected to disrupt the movement of commuters who rely on commercial vehicles for their daily journeys across the country.
Drivers cite unfair enforcement
The unions expressed concern that traders continue to occupy designated bus stops, making it difficult for commercial drivers to pick up and drop off passengers at approved locations.
They argued that drivers face the risk of traffic penalties through the TRAFFITECH-GH monitoring system even when the occupation of bus stops by traders prevents them from operating within designated spaces.
According to the unions, the authorities must address the situation by clearing traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways instead of penalising drivers without resolving the underlying problem.
They said the planned withdrawal of services followed unsuccessful efforts to get the relevant authorities to address their concerns.
Five unions back the action
The statement was jointly endorsed by representatives of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress, Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana, True Drivers Union, Ghana Committed Drivers Association and Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.
As part of the directive, commercial drivers have been instructed to park their vehicles on Wednesday, November 4, until further notice.
The unions apologised to commuters and the general public for the inconvenience the action could cause, insisting that they had exhausted other options before deciding to suspend operations.
Commuters urged to prepare
The planned shutdown could affect workers, students, traders and other passengers who depend on trotros, shared taxis and other commercial vehicles to travel.
Commuters have therefore been urged to take note of the announcement and make alternative transport arrangements ahead of Wednesday.
The unions’ announcement comes amid the introduction of increased camera-based traffic monitoring and enforcement, which has heightened tensions between transport operators and authorities over compliance with road traffic regulations.
As of the publication of the report, the unions’ statement did not indicate whether the government or the relevant agencies had agreed to address their demands before the planned shutdown.
