The Joint Association of Port Transport Unions (JAPTU) Ghana, the umbrella body for all port-based transport unions, has paid a courtesy visit to the Inspector General of Police (IGP), COP Christian Tetteh Yohunu, and members of the Police Management Board (POMAB).

The high-level engagement marked a renewed phase of collaboration between the Ghana Police Service and the transport sector to improve safety and security along Ghana’s key trade corridors.

JAPTU Ghana expressed deep satisfaction with the IGP’s personal commitment and the firm assurances from the Police leadership to address rising security threats faced by truck drivers transporting goods along the Tema–Paga, Tema–Hamile, and Tema–Elubo routes.

These areas have seen a troubling surge in armed robberies and criminal activity targeting transit trucks.

The discussion, described as open and constructive, reflected the Police Service’s willingness to listen and act in the interest of public safety and economic protection.

According to JAPTU, the Police leadership’s plans, ranging from stepped-up patrols at known hotspots, undercover intelligence operations to rapid response systems for emergency cases, are crucial in tackling these threats.

They also welcomed the IGP’s warning to officers to avoid delays in the movement of cargo along transit corridors.

“These practical steps, if fully carried out, will go a long way to restore confidence among drivers and reinforce Ghana’s image as a dependable gateway for trade within the West African sub-region,” JAPTU said in a statement.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to continued cooperation with the Ghana Police and relevant stakeholders, including regional commands and security agencies.

It emphasised that effective collaboration, real-time intelligence sharing, and regular engagement are key to addressing the current challenges confronting the sector.

After the meeting, JAPTU Ghana Chairman Alhaji Shamsu Babayaro noted:

“We thank the Inspector General of Police and the members of the Police Management Board for their time, listening ear, and decisive leadership. JAPTU Ghana remains hopeful that the path forged through this meeting will lead to concrete action, long-term improvements, and greater security for our truck drivers and road users.”

Present at the meeting were officials from the Ghana Shippers’ Authority (GSA), the Burkina Faso Shippers Council (CBC), the Port Security Manager of Tema Port, and representatives of transport and drivers’ unions from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.