Commercial drivers operating without union membership risk arrest – GPRTU

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) says commercial drivers are required by law to belong to a recognised transport union.

Speaking in an interview, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said drivers who operate commercially without belonging to any union could face arrest and prosecution.

According to him, existing transport regulations require commercial drivers to operate under a union.

“It’s a law. If you are a commercial driver and you don’t fall under any of the unions, the police has to arrest you,” Mr Amoah said.

He explained that drivers arrested for operating outside a union could be taken to court and face a fine or a possible prison sentence.

Mr Amoah further disclosed that the GPRTU has raised concerns with the Ministry responsible for transport, resulting in plans for the Road Safety Authority and the police to collaborate to ensure that commercial drivers comply with the requirement.

“We have complained to the Ministry. Both the Road Safety Authority and the police are going to collaborate and they’re going to make sure that all those drivers will join a union. Else they will be arresting them,” he stated.

His comments come amid discussions over the operations of commercial transport services and the regulation of drivers in the country.

Mr Amoah also urged passengers who are charged additional transport fares by mates to report such incidents to the GPRTU for redress.