GPRTU Insists Sit-Down Strike Will Proceed Unless Pokuase–Nsawam Road Repairs Resume

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned that its planned sit-down strike will only be called off if government immediately resumes repair works on the deteriorating Pokuase–Nsawam road.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, August 16, the union’s National Deputy PRO, Samuel Amoah, stressed that the strike action is non-negotiable unless contractors return to site.

“The only thing that will make us change our mind is to see the contractors going back to the road. Honourable Agbodza assured us that funds had been released and gave a six-week deadline. The question now is: what has changed?” Mr. Amoah questioned.

He added that the union had already issued a one-week ultimatum to government, which expires on Wednesday, August 20. “If by then nothing is done, we will park our vehicles. This is not a demonstration; it is a sit-down strike,” he said.

The GPRTU, Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and other stakeholders have described the road as “deplorable and dangerous,” citing frequent vehicle breakdowns, high maintenance costs, and safety hazards for drivers and passengers.

The Pokuase–Nsawam stretch is a critical highway linking Greater Accra to the Eastern, Ashanti, and northern regions. Transport operators argue that the road’s neglect is disrupting economic activities and placing heavy burdens on commuters.

Despite assurances from the Roads and Highways Minister that repairs would be completed within six weeks, the unions say no visible progress has been made. They are now calling on residents and commuters to back their strike as part of a broader civic effort to hold government accountable.