Commuters in Kumasi have applauded the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) for taking decisive action against commercial drivers who exploit passengers with unapproved transport fares during night hours. This follows a special enforcement operation carried out by the KMA Security Taskforce on Sunday night at Santasi, which led to the arrest and impoundment of thirty trotros for charging exorbitant fares.
The operation was in response to several complaints lodged by passengers about the unfair practice of fare inflation by some commercial drivers, particularly during peak evening hours when transportation options are limited. Reports indicate that some drivers had been charging GH₵10 for the route from Santasi to Ahenema Kokobeng, instead of the approved GH₵3 fare.
Leader of the KMA Taskforce, Sergeant Sampson Dadzie, confirmed the impoundment of the vehicles and the arrest of their drivers. He stated that all those apprehended would be prosecuted to serve as a deterrent to others. According to him, the Assembly remains resolute in its efforts to bring sanity to Kumasi’s transport system and to protect commuters from exploitation.
“We will sanitize the system until the drivers do the right thing,” Sergeant Dadzie stressed. “This is a strong warning to all drivers—anyone found charging unapproved fares will be arrested and prosecuted. The law will take its course without fear or favor.”
His remarks come amid growing public outrage over the increasing trend of some drivers arbitrarily adjusting fares without the consent of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) or the KMA. The taskforce has pledged to intensify its monitoring efforts to ensure strict compliance with the approved fare structure across the metropolis.
Some passengers who spoke to OTEC News Reporter, Kwame Agyenim Boateng, expressed gratitude to the KMA for its swift and firm intervention. They described the move as a major relief for residents, especially workers and students who often fall victim to exploitative fare increases at night.
A passenger at the Santasi station recounted how drivers took advantage of the darkness and scarcity of vehicles to impose excessive fares, leaving many stranded. “The normal fare is GH₵3, but they charge GH₵10 at night. It’s frustrating, especially when you are tired from work and just want to go home,” she lamented. Another commuter said, “We really appreciate what the KMA is doing. For a long time, drivers have been exploiting us, but finally, there’s action to protect passengers.”
The KMA has indicated that the enforcement exercise will not end with Santasi but will be extended to other major transport terminals including Adum, Bantama, Suame, and Asokwa. The Assembly has urged commuters to report any cases of overpricing or driver misconduct to its offices or to the nearest police station to assist in the ongoing campaign to ensure discipline and fairness in Kumasi’s transport sector.
The crackdown underscores the Assembly’s broader commitment to restoring order and fairness in public transportation, ensuring that passengers receive value for their money, and maintaining Kumasi’s reputation as a city of law and order.
