Passengers have recently raised concerns about being overcharged by some commercial drivers and their conductors.

Information gathered by Nhyira Fm indicates that some drivers pick up passengers from lorry terminals, drop them mid-route, and charge extra fares.

Speaking on Nhyira FM’s Kuro Yi Mu Nsem hosted by Barima Kofi Dawson, the Public Relations Officer for the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, stated that the leadership of various transport unions does not support the unapproved fares.

He blamed the behavior on trotro owners who are not registered with any recognized transport unions, saying they’re operating illegally.

“Most of these trotro vehicles don’t belong to any transport unions, which is why they’re misbehaving,” Agboado said.

He emphasized that registration with recognized transport unions is mandatory for commercial vehicles to operate legally, citing Regulation 121 of Legislative Instrument 2180 (2012).

He pointed out that the LI states that “A person shall not operate a commercial vehicle unless that person holds a road transport operator’s licence” and “A person shall not operate as a commercial vehicle driver unless that person is employed by or belongs to a recognised commercial road transport organisation.”

He questioned why law enforcement agencies are not enforcing the law effectively.

He therefore calls on Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to deploy task forces to crack down on drivers and mates charging passengers unauthorized fares.

“What they’re doing is a crime, so I am urging the MMDCEs to allow their task forces to continue to beat those drivers and their mates overcharging passengers. This will let them desist from auctions”.

The Association is also pointing to the high cost of spare parts and maintenance as a major contributor to the current transport crisis.

According to Agboado, 40-45% of commercial vehicles are currently in workshops, exacerbating the shortage.

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• Six commercial drivers arrested for overcharging in Accra

• Over 350 drivers arrested in Ashanti region for charging illegal fares

Speaking in an interview on Accra-based Channel One TV, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, stressed that arbitrary fare hikes are unlawful and attract sanctions under existing regulations.

He explained that changes in transport fares are guided by a defined process and are formally announced to the public to ensure transparency and prevent abuse.

“Each time we adjust fares, either up or down, a formal communiqué is issued by the Ministry of Transport and disseminated through the media. Since the 15 percent reduction, fares have remained unchanged,” he said.

Imoro warned that drivers who increase fares on their own initiative are acting outside the law and engaging in unfair practices.

“If anybody on their own decides to raise the fare, they are violating the law. It is the duty of law enforcement to take action against such practices. As a union, we do not support this behaviour; it amounts to cheating,” he stated.

He also encouraged passengers to take a firm stand by refusing to patronise vehicles that charge above the approved rates.

“Passengers must resist paying more than the approved fare. If you refuse to board a vehicle charging beyond the regulated rate, operators will be compelled to comply with the law,” he added.

The caution follows growing complaints from commuters in several urban areas, where drivers are alleged to be imposing unauthorised fare increases, renewing concerns about enforcement and discipline within the public transport sector.

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• Six drivers arrested as Accra Mayor leads taskforce over unapproved fares

• Over 350 drivers arrested in Ashanti region for charging illegal fares