Transport Ministry Alerts Police to Crack Down on Unauthorized Fare Hikes
- The Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to law enforcement agencies
- The Ministry emphasized that drivers must comply with the current fare rates
- The Ministry urged heightened vigilance from the Ghana Police Service and other security bodies
The Ministry of Transport has directed the Ghana Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend any drivers found imposing unauthorized fare increases, cautioning that negotiations for fare adjustments are still ongoing.
In an official statement released by the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit on Sunday, April 14, 2024, it emphasized that drivers are expected to adhere to the existing fare rates. However, there have been reports of some drivers implementing new, unapproved fares.
The Ministry underscored ongoing discussions with transport operators and urged the Ghana Police Service and other security bodies to vigilantly monitor any drivers contravening the directives issued by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
Meanwhile, the Western Regional branch of the Ghana Private Roads Transport Union (GPRTU) has declared a 20 percent fare increase, while the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana have proposed a 30% hike in fares, slated to commence on Saturday, April 13.
Citing recent spikes in fuel prices and operational costs, drivers argue that these factors necessitate fare adjustments to sustain the transport industry. However, the Transport Ministry has urged commercial drivers to adhere to the current public transport fares, in line with directives from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
Read the full statement below…