The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced plans to deploy a street-level taskforce to clamp down on drivers accused of exploiting commuters through unlawful practices, following complaints about an artificial shortage of vehicles.
The move comes after Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, criticised what he described as deliberate attempts by some transport operators to withhold vehicles to overcharge passengers.
Speaking on Accra-based Channel One TV, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, stressed that the union does not support fare manipulation and is prepared to act against offending members.
“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,” he said.
Mr. Amoah explained that the planned enforcement exercise will be carried out in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs) to ensure compliance across key transport corridors.
“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 vantage points where we believe most of these floating drivers park. It is there that we will identify offenders. Those affiliated with the GPRTU will be sanctioned; those that are not, the law will take its course,” he added.
He further advised commuters to board vehicles only from designated transport terminals rather than along the roadside, noting that official stations allow for better regulation, payment of tolls, and monitoring of driver conduct.
The GPRTU emphasised that sustained enforcement and public cooperation are critical to curbing fare abuse and restoring confidence in public transport operations.
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