The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested six commercial transport operators for allegedly charging passengers fares above officially approved rates within the Central Business District (CBD).
The suspects, comprising three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates”, were arrested on Tuesday evening, August 25, 2026, during an enforcement exercise conducted between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.
According to the AMA, the operators were allegedly charging passengers travelling on the Awoshie, Kasoa and Madina routes fares above the approved rates.
The arrests follow a recent warning by Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey against unauthorised fare increases by commercial transport operators in the metropolis.
The Assembly said the suspects were arrested in accordance with clauses 19(f) and 19(d) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws, 2017.
Under the by-laws, commercial transport operators are prohibited from charging passengers fares above rates approved by the Assembly in consultation with major transport unions.
The regulations also prohibit drivers from making passengers alight midway through a journey and re-board the vehicle to charge separate fares for different portions of the trip.
The three drivers arrested have been identified as Joseph Bonney, Francis Morgah and Foster Osei.
The three mates are Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah.
The AMA said the enforcement exercise forms part of efforts to ensure compliance with approved transport fares and protect passengers from excessive and arbitrary charges across the metropolis.
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