Drivers strike action enters its second day

Sunyani (Brong Ahafo) 19 May ?99

Commercial and social activities in Sunyani the Brong Ahafo regional capital have virtually grounded to a halt because of a strike action by commercial drivers in the region, which enters its second day on Tuesday.

The usual hustling and bustling in and around the main Lorry Park and other areas in the centre of the town have vanished with only dealers in second-hand goods still operating along lanes and in the main streets.

Prices of mainly agricultural products in the markets have shot up because traders are unable to bring supplies of cassava, yam and other foodstuffs from Wawasua, Chiraa and Abesim.

Three medium sizes of cassava which sold at 600 cedis now sells between 1,000 and 1,500 cedis while an average size of yam which sold at 800 cedis now sells at around 2,000 cedis.

Prices of fish, bush-meat, vegetables and oil have also shot up.

Workers and children living at outlying suburbs have to walk long distances to their offices and schools in the centre of the town.

Reports said the striking drivers are molesting their colleagues who have headed appeals by their leaders and the Regional Security Council to resume work.

Yesterday, six drivers were arrested and detained by the police for obstructing traffic, resulting in tension between the law enforcement agencies and the drivers.

The drivers said their action is in protest against re-licensing of drives in the country and a letter from the regional branch of the road safety committee asking drivers to attend a refresher course at the cost of 70,000 cedis.