Transport operators kick against KMA orders

Transport operators in Kejetia have expressed worry over the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s directive, which debar some drivers from operating from the congested Kejetia Lorry terminal.

The drivers chastised the KMA for their ineffectiveness in the running of the lorry terminal which has eventually been turned into a market place, where traders compete with drivers for space.

A statement released in Kumasi by the concerned transport operators, signed by the Secretary, Mr. Osei Dwamena complained that on October 27, they were awakened by the deflation of tyres of lorries at the terminal by the head of the KMA City Guards Unit ,Captain Boakye, without any cause.

The aggrieved drivers explained that the KMA had embarked on an exercise to decongest the terminal by relocating drivers and vehicles who ply Kumasi and Western region destinations to the Abinkyi market terminal, only to allow some colleague western region drivers to operate at Kejetia.

They described this as selective and discriminatory and appealed to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Samuel Sarpong to intervene and ensure equity and fair play.

Mr. Sammy Adu Gyamfi, the Special Assistant to Hon Kojo Bonsu, the mayor of Kumasi, who is currently reported to have commenced his leave, has defended the action of the KMA, saying they intend to decongest the terminal and that unauthorized vehicles operating in there will be impounded.

Mr. Adu Gyamfi stated that the KMA want to ease vehicular traffic and facilitate transportation system in the metropolis.

But the transport operators say the response by the KMA per the Special Assistant is not tenable because in spite of reported congestion and purported decongestion at the place new stations are being created by private individuals at Adehyeman Area which they believe would go to exacerbate the congestion in the Central Business District (CBD).

Adu Gyamfi stated that, the newly constructed station at Adehyman has not been given a license to operate and that the modalities would be put in place to consider if that station should be allowed to operate.

Asked about the environmental impact and traffic assessment of the said Project, he noted that it has not been approved yet and the owner of the place must apply for permit upon which receipt the Assembly will consider approval.

He emphasized that it would be illegal for the person to operate a lorry station if he has not been given permission by the Assembly.