The Ghana Private Road Transport Union in the Western Region has kicked against the use of its transport terminals as shelters by street children, describing the practice as inappropriate and unsafe.
The Western Regional Chairman, Joseph Simmons Cudjoe, who expressed concern over the increasing use of transport terminals as places of shelter by street children stated that the union does not support the practice.
They therefore called on parents, guardians, and relevant agencies, such as the Social Welfare to play their roles in addressing the growing issue of street children.
Speaking in an interview on Connect News in Takoradi, he explained that when a child is seen frequently loitering around a terminal, Management conducts preliminary checks to understand the situation and when it is confirmed that the child is engaged in streetism or being trafficked, the matter is immediately reported to the police for further investigations and appropriate action.
“Some of our terminals provide mattresses for travelers who engage in day trading and may need temporary rest. However, when we notice that a person frequently comes solely to use these mattresses, we conduct investigations. If it is established that the person is living on the streets or is being trafficked, we promptly report the case to the Ghana Police for further investigation. As a union, GPRTU does not support children or anyone using our transport terminals as shelters.”
Joseph Simmons Cudjoe stressed that transport terminals are meant for passenger operations and safety, and should not be turned into shelters, while calling on parents, guardians, and relevant social welfare agencies to play their roles in addressing the growing issue of street children.
“I appeal to parents, guardians, and government agencies to take responsibility and properly care for their wards. When children, especially girls, end up on the streets, many become pregnant, and their children are then raised on the streets as well. This cycle is harmful and not in the best interest of the child or society.”
By: Portia Cudjoe
