Drivers, traders join GPRTU in Accra demo over disputed station lands

On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), supported by allied associations, staged a demonstration through the Central Business District of Accra in protest against what they described as an unlawful seizure of land meant for lorry stations around the Cocoa Marketing Board (CMB) enclave.

The march drew drivers, traders, and market women, who accused private developers of taking over portions of the site with the alleged backing of the Railway Authority.

Alhaji Abass Imoro, Industrial Relations Officer of GPRTU, told the demonstrators that the Union was losing its stations one after the other to encroachment.

“As we speak now, another businessman has come saying some portions have also been allocated to him. Surprisingly, these issues come up due to the activities of the Railway Authority. But if you are a manager or director at the Railway, the government land does not belong to you,” he said.

He called for urgent government intervention, emphasizing that the Union preferred dialogue to confrontation.

“We are pleading with the authority because GPRTU believes in dialogue. Come to our aid and ensure we revamp the lorry station because we are losing what we have,” he added.

The protesters later submitted a petition at the Jubilee House, which was received by Bridget Otoo, a Presidential Staffer responsible for Government Communication. She assured them that their grievances would be carefully considered.

The Concerned Drivers Association also threw its weight behind the protest. Its President, William Osei, urged drivers to park their vehicles in solidarity with the action.

Market women who participated expressed fears that continued encroachment would devastate their businesses. 

They appealed directly to Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang and First Lady Lordina Mahama to intervene, warning that the livelihoods of thousands of informal workers were on the line.