Transport Operators Give Government Two-Week Ultimatum to Fix Bad Roads

The Alliance of Transport Operators has given the Government of Ghana a two-week ultimatum to begin rehabilitation and maintenance works on major highways across the country, warning that it could park commercial vehicles, increase transport fares by 20 per cent, or embark on lawful industrial action if no action is taken.

In a press release dated July 1, 2026, the alliance, made up of the Alliance of Drivers of Ghana, Co-operative Transport Unions, and PROTOA, expressed concern over what it described as the deteriorating condition of key roads linking regional capitals.

According to the group, some of the worst-affected highways include the Accra–Mankessim, Accra–Kumasi, Kumasi–Wa, and Accra–Aflao roads, as well as other major routes across the country.

The alliance said the poor state of the roads has significantly increased travel times, with some journeys now taking nearly twice as long due to traffic congestion and damaged road surfaces.

It noted that transport operators are spending more on fuel, vehicle repairs, tyre replacements, and maintenance while struggling to keep transport services affordable for commuters.

“The deplorable state of these roads causes commercial drivers to spend long hours in traffic and navigating damaged road surfaces. This has significantly increased fuel consumption, vehicle maintenance costs, tyre wear, and travel time, making the transport business less profitable and placing an unnecessary burden on both drivers and passengers,” the statement said.

The alliance further warned that deteriorating roads continue to expose motorists and passengers to increased risks of road crashes and security threats.

Government given two weeks.

The transport operators are demanding immediate intervention from the government, saying urgent rehabilitation of the affected roads would improve road safety, reduce travel time, lower transport operating costs, and boost economic activities nationwide.

They cautioned that failure by the government to take concrete action within the two-week deadline would leave them with no option but to take decisive measures.

“Should the government fail to take concrete action within the two weeks, the Alliance of Transport Operators will have no option but to park our vehicles, increase transport fares by 20 per cent, or embark on lawful industrial action to register our dissatisfaction with the continued neglect of the nation’s road infrastructure and the growing hardships facing transport operators,” the statement warned.

Concern over licence penalties

The alliance also criticised the introduction of penalties for drivers who fail to renew their driver’s licences and other required documents on time.

While acknowledging the importance of complying with road traffic regulations, the group argued that imposing additional financial penalties on drivers is unfair at a time when transport operators are already grappling with rising operating costs and poor road conditions.

It appealed to the ministry responsible for roads and highways and other relevant state institutions to treat the matter as a national priority.

According to the alliance, quality road infrastructure is essential for commerce, public safety, and national development.

The group, however, reaffirmed its commitment to dialogue, expressing hope that the government would respond swiftly in the interest of drivers, passengers, businesses, and the wider Ghanaian economy.

The statement was signed on behalf of the Alliance of Transport Operators by its Public Relations Officer, Kwaku Boateng. Also listed as contacts were the Central Regional Public Relations Officer, Adu Yeboah, popularly known as Lawyer, and the National Organiser, Ishmael Chobal.