The True Drivers Union (TDU) has formally expressed significant concern regarding the resurgence of migrant beggars and the proliferation of street hawking on major thoroughfares nationwide.
The Union asserts that this growing presence poses a serious threat to traffic flow and public safety.
According to the TDU, the return of these individuals undermines the safety and operational efficiency of drivers, in addition to compromising pedestrian safety.
Yaw Barimah, Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the TDU, underscored the critical need for immediate and coordinated action from key government agencies, including the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), the Interior Ministry, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralisation and Rural Development, and other relevant authorities.
Mr Barimah made these remarks during an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM.
The statement comes months after a significant operation conducted by the GIS in August, which resulted in the apprehension of 2,241 individuals, including 1,332 children, who primarily relied on begging for income in the capital.
That exercise aimed to curb the nuisance and safety risks posed by beggars on Accra’s streets.
The operation targeted specific high-traffic areas such as Kaneshie Market, Sabon Zongo, Laterbiokoshie, Nima, Abossey Okai, and the Obetsebi Lamptey Roundabout.
However, the individuals have since returned.
Mr Barimah stressed that their renewed presence, coupled with the unauthorised sale of goods on pavements and within the streets by traders, constitutes a significant public nuisance and a hazard.
The TDU PRO issued a firm demand for immediate intervention, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming heightened traffic volume during the festive season, to ensure the unimpeded flow of traffic and the safety of all road users.
Speaking further on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr Barimah announced the launch of “Operation Let the Traffic Flow”, stating that the Union has given authorities an ultimatum: until December 15th to clear these beggars and hawkers from the streets, or the authorities will “face their wrath” in the form of an industrial action.
“We have given the relevant authorities until December 15 to clear these individuals from the streets,” Mr Barimah declared. “We demand the removal of those selling waist beads, eggs, and other items who are causing unnecessary traffic congestion. Since when did we allow such unsafe practices on our streets? It is a threat to human life. We cannot allow these traders and beggars to occupy our roads.”
He warned that failure to comply would result in the union declaring a strike, refusing to operate throughout the festive season.
Mr Barimah noted that many foreign beggars, who were previously rounded up by the GIS, have returned and are now engaged in both begging and the sale of items such as earbuds, shoe polish, and cleaning foams.
“These individuals have essentially gone, trained, and are now selling on our streets alongside their begging activities,” he noted.
The Union is therefore appealing directly to the Minister of the Interior, the Minister of Roads and Highways, the GIS, and all relevant stakeholders to take swift, decisive action against these illegal street occupants. The PRO concluded with a stern warning: “If immediate action is not taken, we will be compelled to declare a comprehensive strike.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
