Drivers at the Tema Station in Accra, have expressed dissatisfaction about the danger pose by traders, who have invaded the place and doing business at the spaces allocated for commercial vehicles.
The drivers said these traders dealing mainly in second hand shoes, bags and clothes sell in front of their vehicles and it often takes a hectic time to disperse them before their vehicles packed with passengers could leave the station.
Mr Fredrick Nana Boateng, the Chairman of the Burma Camp Branch of Ghana Private Road and Transport Union, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that although drivers are worried about the trend they have no power to drive away the traders.
“The traders disturb us but the market belongs to the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). They have to indicate where drivers should do their business as well as the traders.
“As drivers we don’t have power over them,” he stressed.
He explained that revenue tickets are given to the traders by the AMA authorities and this gives them the right to share the space with them.
This however, makes it difficult for passengers to find their way to board vehicles.
Emmanuel Odartey Lamptey, an Osu Ring Road Estates Driver, disclosed that traders delay movement of vehicles at the station.
Mr Joseph Okpoti Sowah, a La station driver of the La Young Men Cooperative Association Drivers Union, said the traders have occupied all available space at the station making it difficult to get passengers.
Some of the traders, who spoke to the GNA, admitted that although their business poses challenges to drivers, their presence at the station brings them passengers.
Mr Francis Quaye, a trader in ladies shoes disclosed that some frustrated drivers toot their horns to draw their attention before moving or parking their vehicles.
Madam Akpene Abudzo, a second hand clothes trader, said the problem would persist because they are plying their trade at a lorry park and not a market.
At the Sukurah Station, Mrs Bernice Oppomaa, a blouse trader said although they pay revenue to the AMA they have not been allotted a place to sell.
