Takoradi GPRTU Strike Over Unauthorized Transport Terminal Near Jubilee Park Market
Passengers embarking on long-distance journeys from Takoradi to destinations such as Tarkwa, Accra, Kumasi, Axim, and others have today been left stranded following a sit-down strike by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The action by the drivers’ union is in protest against the refusal of city authorities to relocate an unauthorized transport terminal operating around the makeshift Jubilee Park market in Takoradi.
Commuters have been reeling from the impact of the strike since the early hours of the morning.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union has consistently called for the cessation of trading activities at the Jubilee Park market, which they say has led to the establishment of the unapproved transport terminal.
In efforts to resolve the issue, the union has held multiple meetings with the Western Regional Minister, the Metropolitan Chief Executive for Sekondi-Takoradi, and the Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim.
However, GPRTU leadership remains unconvinced despite assurances from these officials, even as they acknowledged the union’s grievances.
Still unconvinced, the GPRTU has today commenced a sit-down strike, signaling the start of a series of actions they plan to undertake until their concerns are fully addressed.
A visit to various GPRTU stations in Takoradi by our reporter Nana fynn revealed stranded passengers, many of whom said they were unaware of the union’s intended action.
They are now calling for swift intervention to bring the situation under control.
The Jubilee Park market was initially created to support social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, following the construction of the Market Circle, traders have remained at the site for years.
Their continued presence, along with the recent approval of a transport terminal to operate from there, has drawn strong criticism from both the GPRTU and other traders, who argue that the situation poses risks to transport operations and public safety.
Story by Nana Fynn@W/R.
