The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has issued a strong warning to commercial drivers against charging fares above approved rates, urging passengers to resist unauthorised increases and report offenders to the appropriate authorities.
Speaking in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, December 23, the union’s Public Relations Officer, Abass Imoro, stressed that arbitrary fare hikes are illegal and punishable under the law.
He explained that adjustments to transport fares follow a clear and transparent process led by the Ministry of Transport, with official communiqués issued and widely publicised to inform both drivers and passengers.
“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 per cent reduction, fares have remained unchanged,” Mr Imoro said.
He cautioned that any driver who independently increases fares is acting unlawfully 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.
Mr Imoro also called on passengers to play an active role in enforcing compliance by refusing to patronise vehicles that charge beyond 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 warning comes amid growing complaints from commuters in several urban centres, where drivers are accused of charging arbitrary fares, raising renewed concerns about enforcement, discipline, and monitoring within the public transport system.
