The manager of Planning and programmes at the NRSA, Perpetual Akoto Ofori has described the operators’ move as timely and necessary, declaring that “it is even a crime for anyone to sell on pedestrian walkways or pavements.”
Her comments follow a press release by commercial transport operators announcing a four-day ultimatum to the police. They demand enforcement of Regulation 117 of Legislative Instrument (LI) 2180-2012, which prohibits trading in spaces meant for pedestrian use.
The operators have vowed to park all commercial vehicles beginning May 19, 2025, if their concerns are ignored.
“The law is clear—if you sell in a place that obstructs a pedestrian walkway, you’ve committed a crime,” Ofori emphasized.
Speaking to Sandra Akua Darkoa Koranteng popularly known in the media space as Akua Sonto as host on Kasapa 102.5 fm’s morning show, she praised the transport operators for taking initiative and raising public awareness. “I am happy the drivers are not leaving this fight to the NRSA alone. It shows that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.”
Her remarks also come as the country marks the 8th United Nations Global Road Safety Week under the theme “Streets for Life”, a campaign aimed at making roads safer for all users.
The transport operators argue that the lack of enforcement has led to growing disorder on roads, posing danger to both motorists and pedestrians.