The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced plans to deploy a special taskforce onto the streets to monitor and sanction drivers engaging in unlawful practices, following growing complaints of artificial vehicle shortages in Accra and other urban centres.
The move comes in response to concerns raised by the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who recently condemned deliberate attempts by some commercial transport operators to create artificial scarcity of vehicles in order to overcharge commuters.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Wednesday, January 14, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union does not tolerate fare violations or exploitative conduct by its members and is prepared to take firm action against offenders.
According to him, the union will collaborate closely with the Ghana Police Service and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure effective enforcement of transport regulations.
“We had a meeting today. We will be hitting the streets with our taskforce to ensure that if our vehicles are found engaging in such practices, we will cause their arrest and impose sanctions. We will be meeting the Transport Minister hopefully by Friday,” Mr Amoah stated.
He explained that the taskforce will focus on identified hotspots where some drivers abandon designated terminals and operate from unauthorized locations.
“We will be organising our union guards and request from the Minister to allow the police to come in. The MMDCEs will also come in. We will be standing at some vantage areas where we think most of these floating drivers park. It is there that we will find out those that are doing that,” he said.
Mr Amoah added that drivers found to be members of the GPRTU will face internal sanctions, while non-members will be dealt with according to existing laws.
He further advised commuters to patronise vehicles at designated transport terminals rather than boarding from the roadside, stressing that official stations allow for better regulation, toll payments, and monitoring of fare compliance.
The GPRTU’s intervention follows public frustration over persistent transport shortages and high fares, despite recent reductions in fuel prices and spare parts import duties, which were expected to ease operational costs for drivers.
