Story by: Judith Quaicoe(GIJ)

The executives of the AbekaLapazbranch of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) are pleading to the Government and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare to sack the junkies from the roadside because they are a threat to them.

On the streets of Accra and it’s environs, young boys who strive to get jobs and live on the streets are popularly called “junkies” and others call them “balabala”. Most of them stand by the roadside and assist drivers and mates to get passengers to board their cars. To them, that is the only way to get daily bread for themselves and family.

In a way, the work of these junkies seems to be a threat to the AbekaLapaz Highway Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) executives. In an interview with Mr. Anokye who is in charge of ticketing at the union’s station mostly known as “Tema Station”. He explained that those people at the roadside are not members of their union and their activities are not fruitful but a problem to them.

This is because most passengers have brought several complaints of theft of which they are not able to resolve such cases. The executives of the Union have informed the police of the junkies’ activities and the police have been patrolling at the area for the safety of passengers and the Union.

Mr. Lawrence AkpaAkuamuah, a former executive of the Union added that, the police are inconsistent of their job and that makes the junkies’ return to the roadside in their absence. Mr. Akuamuah again said, those that get arrested are not dealt with the law accordingly and others who are financially stable cover up with money.

Though some are being arrested but are released after some days. The executives are therefore pleading to the government and the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo-Dampare to intervene sacking the junkies from the street.