KMA Cracks Down on Overcharging Drivers; 22 Vehicles Impounded in Kumasi Fare Enforcement Exercise
In a decisive move to restore sanity within Kumasi’s public transport system, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has impounded 22 commercial vehicles and arrested their drivers for charging unapproved transport fares in blatant defiance of a directive issued by the Assembly and national transport unions.
The enforcement operation, which formed part of a special fare compliance exercise, was carried out by the KMA’s Transport Task Force on various major routes within the city. The task force, composed of officers from the Department of Transport, KMA Metro Guards, Assembly Members, and other security operatives, stormed identified hotspots where drivers were reportedly flouting the recently announced 15% reduction in transport fares.
According to the Head of Urban Transport at KMA, Mr. Randy Wilson, the crackdown followed numerous reports and surveillance which confirmed that some commercial drivers had refused to comply with the new fare structure that took effect on May 24, 2025. The fare reduction was jointly announced by national transport unions in response to a drop in fuel prices.
Mr. Wilson disclosed that each of the arrested drivers will be fined between GH¢500 and GH¢1,500 before their vehicles are released. These penalties are in accordance with the Assembly’s Special Exercise Fine regime, which was approved on July 28, 2023.
“We have made it clear that the era where drivers arbitrarily charge passengers without recourse to approved fares is over,” Mr. Wilson stated. “These actions are illegal, exploitative, and constitute a criminal offense under the laws of Ghana.”
The Assembly had earlier issued a public notice on May 26, 2025, cautioning all commercial transport operators within Kumasi to adhere strictly to the revised fares. The notice warned that failure to comply would result in stern punitive actions, including arrests, vehicle impoundment, and fines.
“We are sending a strong message that Kumasi is not a lawless city,” Mr. Wilson emphasized. “We will continue to enforce the rules without fear or favor to ensure that the rights of the commuting public are respected.”
The KMA’s firm stance has been welcomed by many residents and passengers who have for years complained about arbitrary fare hikes by some commercial drivers, especially during peak hours or bad weather conditions.
Mr. Wilson concluded by assuring the public that such exercises will be carried out regularly across the metropolis to maintain order, accountability, and fairness in the transport system.
“The Assembly’s goal is to build a transport system that is not only efficient but also just and lawful for all users,” he reiterated.
The KMA is urging passengers to report drivers who charge unapproved fares and encourages transport unions to educate their members on the need for compliance.
