Some non-compliant commercial drivers in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) have faced seizure of their vehicles for overcharging passengers.
In a special exercise conducted by the assembly’s Transport Task Force, 22 drivers were arrested for overcharging passengers, and their vehicles were impounded at the KMA premises, pending further legal action.
Authorities indicate that vehicles will not be released to owners until they pay fines between GH¢500 and GH¢1,500. This is in line with the Assembly’s Special Exercise Fine approved on July 28, 2023.
The task force, which consisted of Metro Guards, Assembly Members, officials from the Department of Transport, and other security operatives, carried out the operation after receiving complaints and verifying reports of fare overcharges.
According to the assembly, the team acted upon evidence that these drivers were flouting the 15% reduction in transport fares, which took effect on May 24, 2025, as directed by national transport unions.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) announced a 15% reduction in transport fares, effective May 24, 2025. The move followed a meeting between the National Executive Board and the Ministry of Transport. The tariff adjustment was based on recent macroeconomic changes, particularly the strengthening of the cedi against the US dollar, which consequently led to a significant decline in fuel prices.
The assembly issued a public notice on May 26, 2025, advising commercial drivers to strictly adhere to revised fares and avoid charging unapproved fares, as it is a criminal offense punishable by law. However, some of the drivers remained adamant and took the law into their own hands, continuing to overcharge passengers.
The action of the KMA comes as an effective deterrent to other commercial drivers who are still engaging in this unlawful practice in other parts of the country.
