Members of the Joint Association of Port Transport Drivers (JAPTU) have issued a strong warning to embark on a sit-down strike from April 14 to 17 if government fails to intervene in what they describe as burdensome and unfair regulatory measures introduced by the Ghana Shippers Authority.
The union, which represents over 11,000 drivers operating within the port enclave, says the newly introduced directives impose additional fees and operational requirements that contradict long-standing systems they have adhered to without difficulty over the years.
According to JAPTU, the new framework undermines existing structures within the union and threatens the livelihoods of thousands of drivers.
They argue that the changes were introduced without adequate consultation and could disrupt the smooth flow of port transport operations.
The union’s National Chairman, Shamsu Babayaro, made it clear that drivers are prepared to halt operations unless authorities engage them and address their concerns.
“From the 14th of this month, we are going to do a sit-down strike up to the 17th. But if the government engages us and there is understanding, we can withdraw the strike,” he stated, while firmly rejecting the new charges and directives.
He further criticised the policies as unjustified, indicating that drivers neither understand nor accept the requirements being imposed, including aspects linked to directives from the road sector.
Other members of the union have also voiced frustration, citing increasing operational costs and uncertainty within the transport sector.
A key point of contention is the proposed re-registration process by the Ghana Shippers Authority, which drivers want either scrapped or renegotiated through stakeholder engagement.
The union is now calling on government to step in urgently and facilitate dialogue to prevent disruption at the ports, warning that failure to act could have significant implications for trade and logistics across the country.
