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The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned that it will go ahead with its planned sit-down strike if the government fails to resume repair works on the deteriorating Pokuase–Nsawam road, one of the country’s busiest highways and a key international route linking Ghana to Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
Speaking on Saturday, August 16, the National Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Mr. Samuel Amoah, insisted that the union would not change its position until the contractors, Maripoma Enterprise Limited, return to site to continue the project. He explained that the union had earlier issued a one-week ultimatum to the government, which expires on Wednesday, August 20, warning that commercial vehicles would be grounded if their demand was not met.
“The only thing that will make us change our mind is to see the contractors going back to the road. That is the only thing. When we approached Honourable Agbodza, he assured us that in six weeks the work would resume and that funds had been released. The question is, what has changed?” Amoah asked.
The stalled project covers a 33.4-kilometre stretch between Ofankor and Nsawam, part of the Accra–Kumasi road (National Route 6). The construction contract, valued at GH¢341.48 million (about $346.5 million by other estimates), was awarded to Maripoma Enterprise Limited, a local construction company, and funded by the Government of Ghana. However, reports indicate that the contractor has moved its equipment from the Amasaman project site, leaving the highway in a deplorable state.
The Pokuase–Nsawam stretch is considered one of the most vital highways in Ghana. It connects Greater Accra to the Eastern and Ashanti regions, while also serving as a transit corridor for long-distance commercial vehicles travelling to northern Ghana and neighbouring West African countries. Drivers and commuters say the poor condition of the road has worsened, with potholes and uneven surfaces causing frequent breakdowns, higher vehicle maintenance costs, and long delays for passengers.
Commercial drivers under the GPRTU, Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), and several other transport associations have described the road as “unmotorable” and “extremely dangerous.” In a joint statement signed by leaders of the various unions, including Mr. Emmanuel Nii Ankrah (National Vice and Greater Accra Regional Chairman of GPRTU of TUC), Alhaji Abbas Ibrahim Moro (National PRO of GRTCC), and Alhaji Tanko (National Chairman of GPRTU of TUC), the unions said the continued neglect of the road was unacceptable.
“The situation has become a predicament not only for commercial transport operators but for all motorists who use the road daily for work, trade, and travel. It is affecting lives, businesses, and economic activity across the Eastern, Ashanti, and northern regions,” the statement read.
The unions argued that the poor state of the road has reduced the lifespan of vehicles, as drivers are forced to carry out repairs and replace parts frequently. They added that the problem has worsened travel time, disrupted trade flow, and created serious safety hazards for passengers and residents living along the corridor.
Earlier, the Minister for Roads and Highways, Mr. Kwame Governs Agbodza, assured transport leaders that the road would be put in satisfactory condition within six weeks. However, the deadline has passed without visible progress, prompting unions to take a tougher stance.
The drivers’ groups say they are not embarking on a demonstration but a sit-down strike, meaning all commercial vehicles will be parked until government acts. They also called on residents, commuters, and all road users to support their action, describing it as a civic duty to hold leaders accountable.
Among the signatories to the unions’ joint statement are Mr. Samuel Amoah (Deputy PRO of the Concern Drivers Association of Ghana), Mr. Paa Willie (National Chairman of the Concern Drivers Association), Mr. David Agboado (National PRO of the True Drivers Union), Mr. Yaw Barima (National PRO of Commercial Transport Operators), and Mr. Asonaba Nana Owiredu.
With the ultimatum deadline approaching, there are growing concerns about the impact of the strike on commuters and businesses. The Pokuase–Nsawam stretch is one of the busiest in the country, and a strike by commercial transport operators could disrupt trade, affect schools, and slow down daily activities in Greater Accra and beyond.
Transport unions have made it clear that until the government moves contractors back to site and resumes visible work on the road, they will not call off their planned strike.
