In recent days, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Concerned Drivers Association have raised their voices against the alleged takeover of lorry station lands by private investors. Their decision to demonstrate shows courage and unity, it is a reminder that standing up for what rightfully belongs to the public is a worthy fight. After all, transport hubs are lifelines for drivers, traders, and commuters alike.
But while the call for land protection is important, there is another battle that deserves equal attention, the safety of human lives on our roads. Hardly a week passes without news of tragic accidents claiming lives and leaving families devastated. Just this week, a truck accident in Twifo Tongowkilled a teenager and left six others in critical condition.
The question is: as drivers unite to demand land, can they also unite to save lives?
Driver unions hold immense power, not only to negotiate with the government but also to influence the attitudes and behaviours of their members. What if the same energy used in protests was also channelled into regular training, sensitisation, and road safety awareness? What if GPRTU and allied groups organised periodic refresher courses on vehicle maintenance, safe driving practices, and emergency response? Such efforts could drastically reduce the frequency of accidents that continue to rob Ghana of its citizens.
Fighting for land is necessary, but fighting for lives is even greater. A reclaimed lorry station is meaningless if drivers and passengers never make it there safely. By pairing their activism with a renewed commitment to safety, the unions will not only protect their livelihoods but also preserve the very lives that sustain the transport industry.
The time has come for GPRTU and its partners to broaden their agenda. Claiming land is good, no doubt, but let us remember: human lives matter too.
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