Directive to stop inspection of port trucks not 'strange and political' - Union tells Ablakwa

The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions - Ghana (JAPTU Ghana) has refuted claims that the directive issued by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, instructing regional commanders to halt the inspection of trucks with foreign number plates, is 'strange and discriminatory.'

This directive pertains to vehicles travelling from Tema Harbour through various routes, including Accra, Kumasi, and Paga.

In a statement shared with GhanaWeb, JAPTU also dismissed the North Tongu Member of Parliament's attempts to link the directive to political motives, clarifying that it is unrelated to the forthcoming elections.

JAPTU, representing all fourteen truck associations operating from Ghana's ports, stated that the IGP's decision resulted from extensive discussions with the Ghana Police Service and the Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority.

The union has long faced issues with multiple police checkpoints, extortion, and harassment, often without political support. They emphasized that the directive is not election-related, contrary to the Hon. MP's suggestions.

JAPTU assured that their trucks transport safe and properly declared cargo, monitored by the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, which has established checkpoints along the corridor.

The statement highlighted the efforts of IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and the Director-General of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, Michael Luguje, who dedicated four hours under the scorching sun to address the drivers' grievances on Sunday, 5th April 2024.

JAPTU praised Dr. Akuffo Dampare for being the first IGP to respond to their concerns and appealed to the public to refrain from politicizing the matter.

The union acknowledged IGP Dr. George Akuffo Dampare and his team for their prompt and bold actions to resolve the longstanding challenges hindering the growth of Ghana's transit trade facilitation and urged the public to let the police force manage these issues without political interference.