A major demonstration is set to paralyse parts of Accra today as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other allied groups stage a protest against the alleged takeover of land designated for lorry stations by private investors.
The protest, which is expected to draw thousands of drivers, aims to petition the government to intervene and protect land earmarked for commercial transport operations at the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) area in the capital.
With many drivers expected to pack their commercial vehicles, the action is likely to cause frustration among workers who depend on public transport for their daily commute.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra on September 15, GPRTU’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, announced the plan to embark on the large-scale protest, describing it as the culmination of long-standing grievances over the continuous encroachment on public land intended for vital transport infrastructure.
The GPRTU intends to march to the Jubilee House to present a petition to the government, urging swift action.
The protest has gained backing from groups such as the Concerned Drivers Association, whose President, William Osei, called on all drivers to show solidarity by parking their vehicles, a move that could severely disrupt transport services across the city.
The protest has also drawn support from market women operating around the affected lorry stations, who fear that the takeover will threaten their livelihoods.
They have appealed to the Vice President and the First Lady to step in, warning that the projects could displace thousands of traders and informal workers who depend on the transport hubs for income.
The unions argue that the encroachment of lorry station lands for private commercial projects, including malls and residential apartments, poses a serious threat to Accra’s transport network, which millions of commuters rely on daily.
