The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has given traders occupying designated bus stops across the metropolis a 48-hour ultimatum to vacate the areas, ahead of an enforcement exercise aimed at restoring order and easing traffic congestion.
The directive comes amid mounting pressure from commercial drivers who have threatened industrial action by the end of November 2026, if the government fails to clear traders occupying designated bus stops across the country.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has postponed its planned industrial action until the end of November, insisting that the government must address the situation to prevent drivers from being forced to pick up and drop off passengers at unauthorised locations.
The drivers’ concerns are linked to the newly introduced TrafficTek traffic enforcement technology, which they fear could expose them to penalties for stopping at unauthorised locations when designated bus stops have been taken over by hawkers.
In a statement, the AMA acknowledged that the occupation of designated bus stops by hawkers obstruct the movement of vehicles and pedestrians, contribute to traffic congestion and force commuters to board and alight from vehicles at unsafe locations.
It warned that the situation posed significant risks to public safety and could increase the incidence of road accidents.
Enforcement Begins
The Assembly said the Mayor of Accra, Michael KpakpoAllotey, had already initiated enforcement measures, including the removal of traders occupying unauthorised spaces at the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, Achimota and parts of the Central Business District (CBD).
It has consequently directed all hawkers and traders operating at designated bus stops to immediately cease trading and vacate the affected locations within 48 hours.
The Assembly warned that it would intensify enforcement and take action against persons who failed to comply with the directive in accordance with its by-laws.
It also cautioned traders against returning to locations that had been cleared, warning that anyone found reoccupying the bus stops could face further enforcement measures, including prosecution.
TrafficTek Concerns
The GPRTU’s concerns centre on the difficulties commercial drivers face in accessing designated bus stops, particularly under the newly introduced TrafficTek enforcement system.
Drivers fear that the continued occupation of bus stops by hawkers could leave them with limited options for picking up and dropping off passengers, potentially exposing them to fines for stopping at unauthorised locations.
They have also raised concerns about the additional financial burden of operating from alternative locations, where applicable charges could increase their operating costs.
The union has, therefore, given the government until the end of November to resolve the situation, warning that failure to clear the traders from the bus stops would compel it to embark on industrial action.
AMA Defends Directive
The AMA said the exercise formed part of its commitment to maintaining public order, promoting road safety and ensuring the orderly use of public spaces across the metropolis.
It urged traders to cooperate with the directive and refrain from conducting business in areas reserved for the movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
The Assembly maintained that restoring designated bus stops to their intended use was necessary to improve traffic movement and protect commuters from the dangers associated with boarding and alighting from vehicles at unsafe locations.
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