SAEMA to re-locate articulated drivers to Apremdo

Sekondi, Feb. 3, GNA - Articulated truck drivers hauling large quantities of cocoa beans and other export produce to the Takoradi port would soon get a permanent site at Apremdo, Mr Philip Nkrumah, Shama Ahanta East Metropolitan Chief Executive told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Tuesday.

He said the assembly was negotiating with landowners to get the necessary documentation ready before the drivers move to the new location, which is behind the Apremdo Market.

The necessary security arrangements would be made to ensure the safety of the drivers and goods, he added.

Presently, the truckers park at the Fijai bypass, but Mr Nkrumah said the landowner wanted the property back.

He said due to the lack of warehouses in the metropolis, several articulated trucks had been stranded within the metropolis, creating inconveniences for other road users.

Mr Nkrumah however, advised the drivers not to engage in acts that would compel their "temporary landlord" to eject them. Mr Yusif Kojo Tinkra, the first trustee of the articulated truck drivers union, said over 180 articulated trucks loaded with tonnes of dried cocoa beans were stranded within the SAEMA area due to the lack of the warehousing facilities and appealed to the assembly, to expedite action to remedy the situation.

He said their plight is usually worsened during the cocoa season, adding, "we, in turn lose several business opportunities due to the several days spent within the metropolis without finding any warehouse to off-load our goods."