The Accra Metropolitan Chief Executive, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has cautioned commercial drivers to stop charging unapproved fares and adopt fair pricing to ease the financial burden on commuters, warning that offenders will face prosecution.
He described arbitrary fare hikes as unfair, exploitative, and a violation of the Operation of Commercial Vehicles By-laws, 2017 of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA). The by-law states that commercial drivers must transport passengers to their destination stations without forcing them to alight and re-board in order to charge extra fares, and prohibits drivers from charging above the Assembly-approved rates agreed with transport unions.
The caution was issued when the Accra Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) met with transport operators on Friday to discuss issues relating to transport fares, road safety, free vehicular movement, sanitation, and security ahead of the festive season.
Mr Allotey announced that, beginning November 21, the AMA, in collaboration with the Police, will launch a special operation to clamp down on drivers who operate outside recognised unions or associations, popularly known as floating drivers. He noted that their activities significantly contribute to fare distortions and disorder on the roads.
He stressed that this year’s Christmas must be peaceful, accident-free, crime-free, and free from the usual transport-related inconveniences faced by the public. The Assembly, he said, would no longer tolerate fare inflation without approval, adding that the AMA Sanitation and Motor Court would be on standby throughout the festive period to prosecute offenders.
“We have one Ghana and one Accra. If we don’t fix our problems, no one will fix them for us,” he said, urging transport operators to cooperate with the city authorities and security agencies to ensure a smooth holiday season.
The Mayor further called for open dialogue and honesty from transport unions, insisting that a successful Christmas required strong collaboration between drivers, the AMA, and the security services.
