Some drivers and traders in Techiman, Brong Ahafo Region, clashed with military personnel on Wednesday over the use of the city’s bus terminal.
The terminal has been undergoing renovations for the past 15 months, forcing drivers and traders to operate from a temporary station in the city. The affected drivers claim that during his recent tour of the region, President Mahama assured them the terminal would be ready within a week.
Since the President’s visit, they say they have received no updates from the authorities, prompting them to gather at the terminal to protest the prolonged delay. One driver told Joy News correspondent Anass Sabit in Twi, “We are not working today. We are here to protest the delay in the re-opening of the terminal. The relocation has affected our business; we want to move back.”
In response, the Municipal Assembly deployed military personnel to evict the protesters, leading to a clash between the drivers, traders, and security forces. The drivers also raised concerns about reports suggesting the terminal might be handed over to OA Transport Company, a move they have vowed to resist.
Joy News correspondent Sabit reported that calm has since been restored after police intervention, though many drivers and traders have remained at the terminal.
Meanwhile, the Municipal Chief Executive of Techiman, Philip Oppong Amponsah, has assured stakeholders that the bus terminal will be officially commissioned and reopened on Tuesday, April 10.
