Bernard Owusu urges public sector managers to prioritize workers' interests

Digital Transport Workers Union declares sit-down strike from November 5

The Digital Transport Workers Union (DTWU), the primary body representing drivers on major ride-hailing platforms such as Bolt, Yango, and Uber, has officially declared a nationwide sit-down strike scheduled to begin on November 5, 2026. This decision follows growing frustration within the driver community over high service fees and what the union describes as increasingly untenable working conditions. The move is expected to significantly disrupt urban transportation across Ghana’s major cities as drivers withdraw their services in a bid to force platform operators to the negotiating table. Union Vice Chairman Mahama Inusa expressed deep disappointment with the current state of the industry, noting that service charges have been increased unilaterally by the ride-hailing companies. According to the union, these fee hikes were implemented without any consultation with the drivers, who are often touted as "partners" by the tech firms. Inusa argued that this lack of engagement undermines the collaborative spirit of the sector and places an undue financial burden on the operators who bear the costs of fuel, vehicle maintenance, and internet data. In response to the perceived exploitation by international platforms, the DTWU is actively encouraging its members to transition to Vamijo, a local ride-hailing platform. The union suggests that Vamijo offers more favorable terms and a fairer revenue-sharing model compared to the global giants. This strategic pivot highlights a growing trend of local drivers seeking alternatives that prioritize domestic labor rights and economic sustainability over the profit margins of multi-national tech corporations. Beyond the immediate fee disputes, the union is calling for comprehensive government intervention to bring order to the digital transport sector. The DTWU is advocating for the introduction of formal regulations that would protect drivers' rights and ensure fair competition. Additionally, the union has asked the government to facilitate programs for vehicle provision, helping drivers own their cars rather than relying on high-interest rental or work-and-pay agreements. As the November 5 deadline approaches, the public awaits a response from both the platform operators and the Ministry of Transport to see if the strike can be averted.