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Commercial drivers are strongly cautioned by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) not to charge fees higher than allowed rates. Passengers are urged to oppose any unlawful hikes and report guilty operators.
In an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, December 23, the union’s public relations officer, Abass Imoro, made the demand, emphasising that arbitrary fee increases are unlawful and subject to legal penalties.
In order to prevent misunderstandings and misuse, he clarified, fare adjustments are made through an open and transparent procedure and are formally announced to the public.
“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 percent reduction, fares have remained unchanged,” he said.
Any driver who independently raises fares is breaching the law and acting unfairly, Imoro warned.
He said, “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.”
By refusing to use cars that charge more than the permitted rates, he encouraged passengers to actively participate in enforcing compliance.
“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 continued.
The warning is issued in response to growing complaints from commuters in a number of major areas, where drivers are allegedly demanding arbitrary fees. This raises new questions regarding oversight, enforcement, and punishment within the public transportation system.
Source: newsthemegh.com
