GPRTU Declares War on Fare Hikes, Deploys Street Taskforce
Union to work with police and MMDCEs to arrest and sanction drivers overcharging passengers
- GPRTU will deploy a street taskforce, working with the police and MMDCEs, to arrest and sanction drivers involved in illegal fare hikes
- The union has dissociated itself from fare violations
- Commuters have been advised to use designated transport terminals
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced plans to deploy a dedicated taskforce to clamp down on drivers who flout approved transport fares, following widespread complaints of vehicle shortages across the country.
The decision follows strong criticism from the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who accused some transport operators of deliberately creating artificial vehicle shortages in order to overcharge commuters.
Speaking in an interview on Wednesday, January 14, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, reiterated that the union does not support any form of fare manipulation and will not hesitate to punish members found guilty.
According to him, the GPRTU will collaborate with the Ghana Police Service and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure strict enforcement of transport regulations.
“We had a meeting today, and we will be going onto the streets with our taskforce. Any vehicle found engaging in such practices will be arrested and sanctioned. We are also hoping to meet the Transport Minister by Friday,” Amoah disclosed.
He added that union guards would be mobilised, with police support, to monitor strategic locations where so-called “floating drivers” often operate. Offenders who are GPRTU members will face internal disciplinary action, while non-members will be dealt with under the law.
Amoah further advised commuters to patronise vehicles from designated transport terminals rather than picking cars by the roadside, stressing that official stations allow for better monitoring, toll payments, and compliance with fare regulations.
