Ghana’s transport sector was rattled this week after the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) and the Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana issued a strongly worded response to comments made by the Minister for Transport.
The controversy erupted when the Minister reportedly declared that the government is procuring buses with the intention to “collapse” the private transport industry, a statement that left unions stunned and deeply disappointed.
In a joint press release dated February 5, 2026, union leaders described the Minister’s remarks as both “unacceptable and ungrateful,” particularly in light of the persistent obstacles private operators face. The release, signed by Samuel Amoah (National Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU of TUC), David Agboado (Second Deputy Public Relations Officer), Asonaba Nana Wiredu (National Acting Chairman of Commercial Transport Operators Ghana), and Yaw Barimah (National Public Relations Officer of True Drivers/Commercial Transport Operators of Ghana), underscored a growing rift between the government and private sector players.
The unions highlighted their ongoing struggles with unapproved fares and the challenges of short-distance loading, noting that instead of acknowledging their resilience and contributions, the Minister chose to “throw tantrums” rather than offer support. They called on the Minister to retract his statement and urged a more collaborative approach to developing the nation’s transport sector.
Frustration was also expressed over the Minister’s perceived lack of commitment, with union leaders suggesting that if he is weary of his post, he should make it known. The unions warned that government moves to undermine private operators, by introducing state-run buses to sideline existing businesses, would only worsen the sector’s problems and fuel further resistance.
This public confrontation sheds light on long-standing tensions within Ghana’s transport landscape. Private operators have repeatedly voiced concerns about regulatory challenges, rising costs, and operational uncertainties. Now, as government intervention threatens to reshape the industry, unions are insisting that their voices and interests must be respected.
The unions’ statement makes it clear: the future of Ghana’s transport sector should be built on partnership and dialogue, not confrontation and exclusion.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com