Shippers Authority, Port Drivers to Meet Today Over Looming Strike

The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, Ransford Gyampo, has announced a crucial meeting with the leadership of the Joint Association of Port Transport Drivers (JAPTU) scheduled for midday on April 13 to address rising tensions and avert a potential strike.

The meeting comes amid growing friction between the Authority and JAPTU members, who have issued notice of a possible industrial action. The association has threatened to embark on a sit-down strike from April 14 to April 17, citing what it describes as burdensome regulatory policies introduced by the Shippers Authority.

According to JAPTU, the measures if not reviewed could negatively affect their operations and livelihoods.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, Prof. Gyampo emphasised the Authority’s commitment to maintaining a cooperative and efficient working environment for stakeholders within the port sector.

He explained that the Authority’s intention is not to sideline drivers’ concerns but to collaborate with them to find sustainable solutions. He added that registration requirements are meant to ensure effective regulation and better representation of drivers’ interests.

Prof. Gyampo noted that JAPTU leadership had earlier indicated their members were already registered, raising concerns about duplication. He said both sides agreed to engage further, making the strike notice surprising.

He disclosed that after a telephone discussion with the association’s leadership on April 12, both parties agreed to meet to examine the concerns and seek resolution.

The meeting is expected to determine whether the planned industrial action will proceed or be called off