Digital Transport Workers Union declares strike for November 5

The Digital Transport Workers Union (DTWU) has officially declared a nationwide sit-down strike scheduled to begin on November 5, 2026. This industrial action is a collective response by ride-hailing drivers to what they describe as increasingly unfair working conditions and exploitative business models maintained by foreign-owned digital platforms. The union has indicated that the strike will continue until their demands for a more equitable operating environment are addressed by the relevant stakeholders and platform operators.

A central concern for the union is the high commission rates currently deducted by ride-hailing companies, which drivers argue leave them with insufficient income to cover basic living expenses and vehicle maintenance. Beyond the financial burden, the DTWU cited the imposition of punitive penalties as a major factor in their decision to strike. These penalties often involve the sudden blocking of drivers from the apps, sometimes without clear justification or a transparent appeals process, effectively depriving workers of their livelihoods overnight.

Safety issues also feature prominently in the union's list of grievances. Drivers have reported a growing number of security threats while on the job, ranging from verbal abuse to violent carjackings. The DTWU maintains that existing safety measures provided by the app platforms are inadequate and fail to provide real-time protection or support during emergencies. They are calling for the implementation of more rigorous passenger verification processes and enhanced in-app safety features to mitigate these risks.

As the November 5 deadline nears, the union is urging all digital transport workers to join the protest to demonstrate the collective strength of the workforce. This planned strike follows previous attempts by driver associations to engage in dialogue with platform owners, which the union claims have yielded little progress. The outcome of this industrial action will likely have significant implications for the future of the gig economy in Ghana, particularly concerning the regulation of foreign tech companies and the protection of local labor rights in the digital transport sector.