Tension erupted at the Sofoline Bus Terminal in Kumasi on Tuesday, August 26, after a group of supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) from the Kwadaso Constituency stormed the facility and attempted to take control of its operations.
The group, numbering several dozen, insisted that the management of the terminal should be handed over to them, arguing that they deserved employment opportunities now that their party was in government.
Their actions disrupted activities at the busy transport hub for several hours, leaving hundreds of commuters stranded and causing significant delays for drivers and traders who rely on the terminal for daily business.
The chaotic scene prompted the swift intervention of the Kwadaso Municipal Chief Executive, Eric Assibey, who arrived at the terminal with a team of officials from the Municipal Assembly and National Security operatives stationed in the Ashanti Region. Their presence helped restore order and allowed operations to gradually resume.
In response, Driver Unions at the Sofoline Bus Terminal strongly condemned the takeover attempt, describing it as lawless and disruptive.
They urged authorities to ensure that transport operations remain free from political interference, stressing that the safety and convenience of passengers must always come first.
Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei-Mensah, has since invited both the NDC group and the leadership of the Driver Unions to an emergency dialogue session aimed at addressing the concerns raised and preventing a recurrence of such incidents.
Meanwhile, Kwadaso Constituency NDC Chairman, Imoro Issah, distanced himself from the incident, stating that he had no knowledge of the group’s actions and had not sanctioned the attempted takeover. He called on party members to exercise restraint and follow due process in addressing grievances.
The Sofoline Bus Terminal, one of the busiest in the Kumasi Metropolis, serves thousands of passengers daily, connecting commuters to major towns and regions across the country.
Authorities have pledged to step up security at the facility to safeguard its operations and protect commuters from future disturbances.
