A heated altercation erupted between a bus conductor, who is popularly referred to as a mate, and a passenger over a 1Ghs balance, highlighting growing tensions over transport fares despite the recent 15% reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
The incident, which took place at the Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra, quickly escalated into a physical confrontation, drawing the attention of bystanders and fellow passengers.
According to eyewitnesses, the passenger had handed over a 10Ghs note for a fare of 9Ghs, expecting a 1Ghs balance. However, the mate refused, claiming that the fare had not been adjusted despite the GPRTU’s directive.
The disagreement soon turned into a shouting match, with the passenger insisting on receiving his balance. The mate, visibly frustrated, argued that drivers and conductors were yet to implement the 15% fare reduction, citing the high cost of spare parts and vehicle maintenance.
“The GPRTU says fares should be reduced, but our bosses have not changed anything. We still buy fuel at high prices, and spare parts are expensive. How do they expect us to survive?” the mate shouted.
The passenger, unwilling to accept the explanation, grabbed the mate’s shirt, demanding his money. The confrontation turned physical, with both individuals exchanging blows before being separated by other passengers and traders nearby.
The 15% fare reduction
The GPRTU’s announcement of a 15% reduction in transport fares, effective May 24, 2025, was meant to ease the financial burden on commuters following a decline in fuel prices. However, implementation has been inconsistent, with many drivers refusing to comply.
GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer, Abbas Ibrahim Moro, acknowledged the issue, stating that while the union had communicated the reduction, enforcement depended on law enforcement agencies.
“We have done our part by informing our members, but some drivers are refusing to comply. It is now up to the authorities to ensure full implementation,” Moro said.
GPRTU Warns Non-Compliant Drivers
Recognizing the growing frustration among passengers, the GPRTU has issued a warning to drivers who fail to comply with the fare reduction. The union’s General Secretary, Godfred Abulbire, stated that transport stations and branches must adhere to the new pricing structure or face penalties, including preventing non-compliant drivers from loading passengers.
“We will sanction drivers who refuse to comply. The fare reduction is official, and all drivers must abide by it. Those who deliberately ignore the directive will not be allowed to operate at terminals,” Abulbire stated.
Passengers Frustrated Over Non-Compliance
Many commuters have expressed frustration over the situation, arguing that transport operators are exploiting them.
Meanwhile, some ride-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, and Yango have clarified that they are not part of the fare reduction, as they were excluded from the GPRTU’s decision-making process.
Authorities urged to act
With tensions rising, the Ministry of Transport has been urged to intervene and ensure compliance. Some passengers have suggested that police officers be stationed at major transport hubs to monitor fare adjustments and penalize non-compliant drivers.
As the debate continues, commuters remain hopeful that the 15% fare reduction will be fully implemented, easing their financial burden. Until then, incidents like the trotro mate-passenger fight may continue to reflect the frustrations of everyday Ghanaians struggling with transport costs.
