Commercial drivers and transport operators in Accra on Tuesday hit the streets to protest what they describe as the unlawful takeover of lands earmarked for lorry stations by private developers.
The demonstration, led by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) in collaboration with other allied transport groups, brought parts of the capital to a standstill as heavy traffic built up along key routes.
According to the drivers, the action is aimed at drawing government’s attention to what they see as a growing threat to public transport infrastructure and the livelihoods of drivers and traders who depend on the stations.
The protest comes a day after the GPRTU held a press briefing in Accra, where its Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, announced plans for the demonstration.
Mr. Amoah explained that the move follows years of frustration over persistent encroachment on lands allocated for lorry stations, stressing that the situation, if unchecked, could cripple Accra’s transport system.
“This demonstration is to send a strong signal to both government and private investors that lorry station lands are not for sale. They are critical to the city’s transport network, and we will resist any attempt to take them away,” he said.