Some workers who have been exempt in areas under lockdown, say it is increasingly becoming difficult for them to transit to their various workplaces, as the security personnel enforce the lockdown directive.

According to them, the unavailability of commercial vehicles and stringent checks by the police and military, have intensified their problems making it difficult for them to get to work on time.

“We have been frustrated several times. We were earlier stopped at the previous checkpoint and this is another one and we have to go through the same routine,” one said.

Another added: “Instead of them verifying if we have the pass, they are returning all the cars. So how will I get to Accra and provide the service I am supposed to?”

They further complained that people in private vehicles are allowed without any questioning, however, passengers on commercial vehicles are those being stressed.

“We have seen several young men in private cars pass without being questioned but unfortunately, we those sitting in the trotro [commercial buses] are made to answer so many questions at every checkpoint.”

They then suggested that, the Operation Covid-19 Safety team should endeavour to look out for those who do not have the pass ID and send them back home, instead of asking the vehicle to just return.

However, the Weija Motor Transport and Traffic Department (MTTD) Divisional Commander of the Police Service, Edward Adom Boateng, told JoyNews’ Maxwell Agbagba that they screen passengers before permitting them to cross the Weija Tollbooth.

He added that persons designated as essential service providers are also allowed to go and carry out their duties as ordered by the President.

“If a commercial car carrying passengers has only two essential workers in it we let them alight and ask the driver to go back and get a different car for them to go to work.”