The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has intensified its efforts to enforce official transport fares in the capital, resulting in the arrest of more than 100 commercial drivers over the past two weeks for charging passengers above the approved rates.
GPRTU’s National Guard Commander, Drumond Ekow Gaisie, confirmed the figures while addressing the media. He explaining that errant drivers and conductors were handed over to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, cautioned and released.
“We have 106 drivers who have been arrested and handed over to the police,” Mr Gaisie said, indicating that most of the offences stem from manipulative practices aimed at increasing revenue from unsuspecting commuters.
Among the common infractions observed, transport officials cited drivers engaging in repeated pick-ups and drop-offs, a tactic locally referred to as “short shots” to mislead passengers and levy extra charges on the same journey.
Gaisie also pointed to major routes such as Accra to Kasoa and Kaneshie to Kasoa where travellers have reportedly been asked to pay significantly more than the fares set in the official schedule. In some instances, commuters reported being charged more for distances that are meant to cost far less.
The ongoing enforcement campaign forms part of a broader push by the union to ensure fare compliance in public transport services, where unregulated pricing has long frustrated commuters and fuelled public complaints.
Mr Gaisie reiterated that the union will maintain vigilance over commercial drivers and that those who continue to flout the approved fare structure will face repeated arrests until full compliance is realised.
The GPRTU’s actions come amid broader calls for collaboration between transport authorities, the police, and government agencies to curb illegal fare practices nationwide. In January, for example, the union appealed for stronger partnership with the Ghana Police and assemblies to clamp down on operators who are not part of any recognised transport association but still charge commuters above regulated prices.