The Alliance of Transport Operators, comprising the Alliance Drivers of Ghana, Co-operative Transport Unions and the Progressive Transport Owners Asso
The Alliance of Transport Operators, comprising the Alliance Drivers of Ghana, Co-operative Transport Unions and the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Government of Ghana to begin immediate rehabilitation of major roads and highways across the country or face a nationwide industrial action that could disrupt public transportation.
In a press statement released on Tuesday, the transport operators expressed deep concern over what they described as the deteriorating condition of major roads, saying the situation has become unbearable for commercial drivers and is severely affecting their operations.
The Alliance identified several critical highways requiring urgent attention, including the Accra–Mankessim, Accra–Kumasi, Kumasi–Wa, and Accra–Aflao highways, as well as other major roads connecting regional capitals across the country.
According to the group, the poor condition of these roads has significantly increased travel time, with journeys that previously took a few hours now taking almost twice as long due to heavy congestion and damaged road surfaces.
The operators explained that the worsening road infrastructure has led to excessive fuel consumption, frequent vehicle breakdowns, rising maintenance costs, accelerated tyre wear and tear, and increased operational expenses, making transport services increasingly difficult to sustain.
They noted that while operating costs continue to rise, transport operators are under pressure to keep fares affordable for passengers, leaving many drivers struggling to remain profitable.
Beyond the economic impact, the Alliance warned that the deplorable road conditions are exposing both passengers and motorists to avoidable road crashes and growing security threats, particularly on highways where damaged roads force vehicles to slow down for extended periods.
The transport operators are therefore demanding that the government commence immediate rehabilitation and maintenance works on the affected roads within two weeks.
According to the Alliance, timely intervention will improve road safety, reduce travel time, lower transport operating costs and facilitate economic activities across the country.
The statement warned that failure by the government to take concrete action within the stipulated period would leave the Alliance with no option but to embark on a series of lawful actions.
These include parking commercial vehicles nationwide, increasing transport fares by 20 percent, or declaring an industrial action to protest what they describe as the continued neglect of the road infrastructure and the hardships confronting transport operators.
The Alliance appealed to the Ministry of Roads and Highways and all relevant government agencies to treat the matter as an urgent national priority, stressing that efficient road infrastructure remains essential for commerce, public safety and national development.
The group also raised concerns over the introduction of penalties for drivers who fail to renew their driver’s licences and other vehicle documentation within the required period.
While acknowledging the importance of complying with road traffic regulations, the Alliance argued that imposing additional financial penalties on drivers at a time when they are already battling poor roads and escalating operational costs only compounds the challenges confronting the transport sector.
Despite its frustrations, the Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue and expressed hope that the government would engage transport stakeholders and respond positively before the expiration of the two-week ultimatum.
The statement was jointly issued by the Alliance of Transport Operators, representing the Alliance Drivers of Ghana, Co-operative Transport Unions and PROTOA, and signed by the group’s Public Relations Officer, Kwaku Boateng, Central Regional Public Relations Officer Adu Yeboah (Lawyer), and National Organiser Ishmael Chobal.
The Alliance maintained that improving the road network is not only in the interest of transport operators but also critical to protecting passengers, supporting businesses and sustaining national economic growth.
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