The fatal accident on Monday, September 1, 2025, in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD) has prompted a caution from Alhaji Abass Imoro, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
He has raised concerns about the failure of authorities to clear traders from the streets, warning that a national tragedy could occur if the situation is not addressed.
Speaking in a media interview, Alhaji Imoro described the recent incident—where an Ayalolo bus (GT 5493–17) ran over traders near the Ghana Cocoa Board headquarters, killing one and injuring several—as a “shameful act” and an “embarrassment for the country.”
He emphasised that the GPRTU has consistently advocated against traders occupying streets and walkways, as it poses a significant danger to drivers, pedestrians, and the traders themselves.
Mr Imoro stated that the recent tragedy was just the “tip of the iceberg,” and he fears a more devastating incident could happen.
He stressed that authorities must act immediately to “clear the traders selling on our pavements and streets and all other unauthorised places.”
“What happened was a very shameful act. It was an embarrassment for the country. We have consistently advocated against traders taking over the streets and pavements. It is dangerous for drivers and pedestrians. What happened was just the tip of the iceberg. I am not praying for doom, but we may witness a more devastating incident that could claim more than one life. We cannot wait for that to happen. We have to clear the traders selling on our pavements, streets, and all other unauthorized places.”
He also recalled a similar incident from July 2018 in Ashaiman, where a truck with brake failure ran into traders near the Ashaiman Market, killing one person and injuring six others.
Abass Imoro highlighted that these incidents underscore the persistent problem of roadside vending across the country.
He expressed his frustration, calling the recent accident a “disgrace for the Accra Mayor,” and urging him to take “immediate action” to clear the traders.
He insisted that the mayor must “double his steps” and resolve the issue “once and for all, no matter the consequences.”
Imoro concluded by stating that the death of an innocent passerby was an “avoidable accident” that should not be repeated.
”That was a similar incident that occurred in Accra. We were lucky this time around, but I am not sure we would be lucky another time. This is purely a disgrace for the Accra Mayor, and he must take immediate action in clearing the traders from the streets and pavements. It paints a picture of an incompetent mayor. The mayor should double his steps and deal with this issue once and for all, no matter the consequences. The incident was unfortunate because an innocent passerby was killed, and it should not happen again. It was an avoidable accident.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
