PROTOA threatens indefinite strike action over rising cost of vehicle maintenance

The Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA) has announced its intention to cease operating its vehicles indefinitely from September 21, 2026, due to escalating operational challenges, particularly the soaring cost of vehicle maintenance. The association's members will park their vehicles until the government addresses their concerns, which primarily revolve around the sharp rise in the prices of vehicle spare parts and maintenance services.

Samuel Adu-Yeboah, the PROTOA Public Relations Officer, informed Accra-based Channel One Newsroom that the association had already alerted both the government and the public about the planned industrial action. Adu-Yeboah highlighted that escalating costs of spare parts had placed commercial transport operators under immense financial strain, attributing the increase to port charges, taxes, and other expenses related to importing spare parts into Ghana.

Despite the impending strike, he emphasized that PROTOA was prepared to engage the government and seek a resolution before the deadline. "If transport ministry is ready to meet up, to go on a negotiation table, we are good to go," he stated. The association had previously issued a public notice on September 9, drawing attention to the difficulties faced by drivers and transport owners.

However, Adu-Yeboah noted that the concerns raised had not garnered the necessary attention from the association, leaving members with the option of withdrawing their vehicles from service.