The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has called for a review of a provision in the new Road Traffic Regulations that could lead to broken-down vehicles being auctioned after 21 days at designated holding areas.
The Union’s Deputy Public Relations Officer, Samuel Amoah, acknowledged the need for authorities to remove disabled vehicles from roads promptly, particularly where they could obstruct traffic or create safety risks. He, however, argued that the subsequent disposal of such vehicles could place an excessive burden on commercial transport operators.
Mr Amoah explained that vehicle owners whose cars develop faults on the road may require additional time to mobilise funds, arrange repairs or resolve other circumstances before retrieving them from a holding facility. He therefore proposed a system that would allow owners to recover their vehicles after settling towing and storage charges.
According to the Deputy PRO, the purpose of the regulation should primarily centre on keeping roads safe and accessible. Consequently, he urged authorities to separate that objective from measures that could result in operators losing valuable business assets.
“We think they have to take a second look at the word auction because nobody will intentionally decide to leave his vehicle on the road.”
Samuel Amoah
Furthermore, Mr Amoah pointed out that commercial vehicles represent the livelihood of their owners and drivers. He argued that losing such a vehicle through an auction process could create financial difficulties that extend beyond the immediate cost of towing and storage.
The GPRTU official also drew attention to the time limits associated with removing broken-down vehicles under the previous regulatory framework. He explained that the earlier rules gave operators 30 minutes to clear a disabled vehicle within a city and one hour when the breakdown occurred on a highway.
Under the new regulations, he indicated that the Union supports the immediate removal of vehicles from locations where they pose risks. The objection centres on the proposed disposal after 21 days, which the Union considers excessive in its consequences for transport businesses.
In addition, Mr Amoah suggested that authorities could recover the expenses associated with towing and storing vehicles without resorting to auction. Such an approach, he argued, would preserve the regulatory objective while giving owners an opportunity to reclaim their property.
The GPRTU therefore wants the authorities to reconsider the auction component of the regulation and explore alternatives that balance road safety with the economic realities of commercial transport. For the Union, enforcement should clear roadways while also protecting operators from avoidable losses.
Union Membership Could Strengthen Oversight Of Commercial Drivers
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) also welcomed the requirement for commercial transport operators to belong to recognised unions, describing the provision as an opportunity to improve oversight within the industry.
Deputy Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah explained that a significant number of commercial drivers operate outside organised union structures, making it difficult for authorities and transport associations to identify, engage and regulate them effectively. He therefore believes the new requirement could provide a clearer framework for monitoring commercial operators.
The provision, contained in Regulation 146 of the Road Traffic Regulations, 2026 (L.I. 2519), carries forward an arrangement that existed under the previous regulations. Mr Amoah noted that the major issue has centred on enforcement, with some drivers continuing to operate outside recognised union structures.
From the GPRTU’s perspective, bringing commercial drivers into organised groups could make communication between operators and regulators more effective. Additionally, unions could provide an established channel through which drivers receive information about regulatory changes, operational responsibilities and safety requirements.
“Most of the commercial drivers don’t belong to any of the unions, and sometimes we find it very difficult to regulate them or to bring them to order.”
Samuel Amoah
Furthermore, Mr Amoah argued that stronger union participation could help transport authorities address breaches more efficiently. Where drivers operate within recognised structures, he explained, there could be clearer lines of accountability when regulatory issues arise.
The Deputy PRO consequently placed emphasis on enforcement by the relevant authorities. He urged agencies responsible for road safety and transport regulation to ensure that the requirement applies consistently across the sector.
He also recalled that the union membership provision formed part of the previous regulatory framework, suggesting that its effectiveness under the new rules would depend largely on implementation. In his view, repeating the requirement without consistent enforcement could limit its ability to reorganise commercial transport operations.
Moreover, the GPRTU believes organised membership could contribute to greater discipline among commercial drivers. A structured relationship between unions, operators and state institutions could make it easier to communicate directives and address drivers who breach established requirements.
Mr Amoah therefore welcomed the inclusion of the provision in the latest regulations and urged authorities to give enforcement the necessary attention. He argued that effective implementation could bring more commercial operators within an identifiable regulatory structure.
In addition, the Deputy PRO’s position highlights the distinction between introducing a regulation and ensuring that it works in practice. The Union consequently wants the relevant agencies to move beyond the existence of the provision and ensure that commercial operators across the country comply with it.
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