The Ghana Union of Traders’ Associations (GUTA) has cautioned commercial drivers against forcibly removing traders and hawkers from bus stops and lorry stations, insisting that such actions would be unlawful.

In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, GUTA said its attention had been drawn to threats by some commercial driver groups to remove traders from the locations if the government failed to act within seven days.

The association acknowledged that trading at bus stops, lorry parks and on walkways was inappropriate, as it contravened the law and contributed to traffic congestion.

“Bus stops are not markets. We agree that selling on bus stops, lorry parks, and walkways is wrong. It is against the law and causes traffic congestion. GUTA does not support it,” the statement said.

However, GUTA stressed that commercial drivers had no authority to take the law into their own hands by attacking traders or destroying their goods.

“It is unlawful for drivers to take the law into their own hands and attack traders or destroy their goods. That work belongs to the District Assemblies and the Police, not drivers,” the association stated.

GUTA has urged the government to clear bus stops and lorry stations of unauthorised trading activities in an orderly manner while providing alternative locations for affected traders.

The association said the issue required urgent attention, particularly with the planned implementation of the TRAFFITECH-GH system, which it said would begin fining drivers for failing to use designated bus stops.

According to GUTA, it would be unfair to penalise drivers for not using bus stops when the locations remained occupied by traders.

“The government must clear the bus stops in an orderly way and provide alternative places for the affected traders to sell,” the statement said.

GUTA has also called for dialogue among the government, traders, driver unions and district assemblies to resolve the dispute peacefully.

It warned that failure to address the matter through engagement could lead to confusion and confrontations on the roads.

“We call for dialogue. Government should call a meeting with the traders, the driver unions, and the Assemblies to solve this matter peacefully before it creates confusion and fights on our roads,” the statement added.

BAI

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