A sit-down strike by drivers and staff of the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) service was narrowly averted on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after the Acting Managing Director of GAPTE, Awudu Dawuda Esq., intervened to restore calm following a violent altercation involving personnel from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) led by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey and some Aayalolo staff at the Kinbu terminal in the Central Business District of Accra.

The incident, which occurred during the second day of a standoff between Aayalolo workers and a group alleged to be party supporters and associates of the AMA, escalated when members of the Mayor’s entourage reportedly physically assaulted several staff members at the Aayalolo Kinbu terminal.

According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began when the group, believed to have allegedly taken control of the terminal’s parking operations, attempted to resume their activities despite resistance from Greater Accra Passenger Transport Executive(GAPTE) staff operators of Aayalolo BRT.

Tensions heightened after the Mayor allegedly ordered the arrest of an Aayalolo staff member, accusing him of obstructing operations.

The staff’s only “offence,” the witnesses narrated to Classfmonline.com, was responding to the Mayor’s threat to tow parked buses by saying more additional buses would be brought by management.

Another staff member was reportedly beaten, his shirt torn, while a driver was slapped in the presence of police officers, the Mayor, and GAPTE officials after uttering the phrase “massa massa” while the Mayor was speaking — a remark the Mayor’s guard deemed disrespectful.

Witnesses further alleged that the Mayor made politically charged statements, claiming that during the previous government, a known NPP member managed the facility without interference, questioning why GAPTE was reclaiming it under the current NDC administration.

In response to the assaults, Aayalolo drivers threatened to park their buses and withdraw services, citing serious safety concerns — a move that could have stranded thousands of commuters across the capital.

However, Acting Managing Director Lawyer Awudu Dawuda swiftly engaged with the drivers, assuring them of management’s commitment to ensuring their safety and seeking justice for the assaulted staff.

After initial hesitation, the drivers agreed to resume operations, averting a potential transport disruption in the city.

The incident has sparked public outrage, with many calling for an investigation into the conduct of the AMA officials and the alleged politicisation of public transport operations.

Observers say the situation underscores the urgent need for clarity on the management and control of the Aayalolo terminals to prevent further confrontations and ensure smooth service delivery for commuters.