Ghana drivers threaten November 1 strike over Traffitech-GH traffic system

Commercial transport operators in Ghana have threatened to suspend services nationwide from November 1, when the Traffitech-GH traffic enforcement system is scheduled to become operational, citing unresolved concerns over traders occupying designated bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

The operators, led by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC), say they will direct their members to park their vehicles if the government and the Ghana Police Service fail to address the situation before the rollout.

The proposed action could disrupt public transport across the country, with the groups urging commuters to make alternative travel arrangements from November 1.

In a joint statement dated October 31, 2026, the transport organisations said a deadline they had given the authorities to clear traders from designated transport spaces had expired without the action they were demanding.

They said they had given the government and police until October 20 to enforce Regulation 142 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (L.I. 2180), which they cited as the legal basis for removing traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways.

Operators cite obstruction at major bus stops

The groups claim that designated bus stops in several busy transport centres remain occupied by traders, naming Kaneshie, Circle, Madina, Kasoa and Kejetia among the affected locations.

They argue that introducing camera-based traffic enforcement without first addressing the alleged obstruction would unfairly expose commercial drivers to penalties.

According to the operators, drivers could be fined for stopping outside designated areas when the spaces intended for loading and unloading passengers are allegedly occupied by traders.

They accused the government of prioritising the enforcement of traffic regulations through Traffitech-GH without ensuring that designated transport facilities are accessible.

“This shows clearly that the 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 groups added that they would not accept an enforcement system they considered unfair.

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

Commuters warned of possible disruption

The transport operators said they would instruct drivers to suspend operations as soon as Traffitech-GH becomes operational on November 1.

They also warned commuters to make alternative arrangements, indicating that the planned action could affect movement in major towns and cities if the disagreement is not resolved.

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

The threatened shutdown comes amid growing tensions between the transport operators and authorities over the conditions under which the new traffic enforcement system should be introduced.

Dispute predates November 1 rollout

The latest warning follows a joint press conference held by the transport groups on October 13, when they called on the government and police to remove traders from bus stops and pedestrian walkways before Traffitech-GH became operational.

Their position is that enforcement should not begin until the authorities have addressed the occupation of designated stopping areas.

The 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 immediate concern for commuters is whether the planned November 1 action will go ahead and how widely transport services could be affected.