There was outrage at Kaneshie as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other allied transport unions staged a protest against the Accra Metropolitan Assembly’s (AMA) decision to hand over their major loading terminal to a private individual.
The operators, who gathered at the terminal in force, described the move as an affront to their livelihood and an insensitivity by the city authorities. According to them, the terminal has long been the centre of their operations, catering to thousands of drivers, mates, and passengers daily.
Many drivers, whose income is tied to the operations of the terminal, expressed fears of losing their source of livelihood if the decision stands.
Kwaku Yeboa Gyan, a commercial driver who has been plying his trade at the terminal for over a decade, voiced his concerns: “This terminal is where we earn our daily bread. If the AMA hands it over to a private individual, what happens to us? Are we expected to give up our livelihoods?” he questioned bitterly.
The transport operators argue that the terminal should remain under the management of the AMA, ensuring equal access and fairness to all stakeholders. They fear that a private takeover could lead to increased loading fees, strict regulations, and favoritism, possibly marginalizing some operators. Drivers also allege that they were not consulted prior to the decision, leaving them blindsided by the sudden turn of events.
AMA officials, on the other hand, have defended their decision, stating that privatizing the terminal would lead to better management and infrastructure upgrades.
They argued that the move aligns with the city’s long-term plans to modernize transport facilities across Accra. However, these explanations have done little to calm the fears of the aggrieved transport operators, who have vowed to intensify their protests until their demands are met.
