The Minister of Transport, Joseph Nikpe Bukari, has described a closed-door meeting with private transport operators as “fruitful”, as government steps up efforts to resolve the worsening transport challenges confronting commuters in Accra and other parts of the country.
The meeting comes on the back of persistent complaints from the public over the shortage of commercial vehicles, despite earlier assurances that the introduction of new buses would ease the situation.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting on Monday, January 19, the minister said discussions with transport unions were extensive and focused on restoring order and efficiency within the transport sector.
“I must say that it was a very elaborate and fruitful deliberation we had with our unions, and I believe that when we put these measures into practice, we will see some sanity in the transport system,” Mr Bukari stated.
According to the minister, drivers raised serious concerns about traders occupying transport terminals and major roads, a situation they say is slowing down operations and worsening the transport crisis.
He explained that the congestion caused by street trading is significantly reducing the number of daily trips commercial vehicles can make.
“If a vehicle would have made four trips a day, they are forced to do two trips,” he noted, adding that transport operators believe local authorities must take responsibility for clearing unauthorised traders from busy transport corridors.
The minister stressed that Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) must work to sanitise the streets to allow for free movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Earlier in the day, Mr Bukari had been locked in discussions with private transport operators, as checks by JoyNews across several parts of Accra revealed large numbers of stranded commuters waiting for commercial vehicles.
The ongoing transport difficulties have affected not only the capital but also other regions, leaving many commuters frustrated as they struggle daily to travel to work, school and other destinations.
Meanwhile, private transport operators in Accra, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), have agreed to set up a joint task force aimed at addressing the persistent transport challenges facing commuters in the capital.
The task force is expected to work closely with government agencies to implement agreed measures and improve public transport delivery nationwide.
