The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) task force detained 27 commercial vehicle drivers and their mates across several Accra locations on Wednesday for imposing unapproved transportation charges.
The detentions occurred during an enforcement exercise designed to stop unauthorized fare collection, especially after recent transport service interruptions that sparked passenger grievances.
The exercise targeted key terminals and transportation corridors, including Pokuase, Odorkor, Ablekuma, and Kingsway.
In an interview with the Daily Graphic, GPRTU National Guard Commander Drumond Ekow Gaisie disclosed that 26 drivers and mates were detained during morning hours and transferred to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service for additional inquiry.
He revealed that two drivers were released following the determination that their violations were “very lenient,” while 21 others remained under police detention.
Mr Gaisie clarified that the detentions were executed pursuant to L.I. 2180, which requires all professional drivers to be members of a recognized transport union.
He noted that numerous detained drivers were “floating drivers” without affiliation to any recognized transport organization and consequently operated beyond established regulatory oversight.
He disclosed that enforcement personnel performed random inspections by travelling in commercial vehicles in civilian attire to confirm adherence to approved charges and promptly detained drivers and mates who persisted in collecting illegal fares.
“The operation was necessary because some drivers had been charging passengers above approved fares after the recent transport disruptions,” he said.
Mr Gaisie indicated that the exercise had reestablished order and forced drivers to adhere to the approved fare structure.
He mentioned that he personally travelled in a vehicle without his uniform to assess the circumstances and verified that drivers were collecting the proper fares.
“I joined the vehicle myself while I was not in uniform, and I could see that the uniform presence is also scaring them back,” he said.
He characterized the overcharging phenomenon as pervasive but stated that the day’s exercise had delivered a powerful warning to drivers.
“What happened this morning has shaken some areas. I believe the drivers know what they are doing, and when they hear that we are working, they become cautious,” he added.
Additional Operations Scheduled
Mr Gaisie revealed that surveillance extended into evening hours, with subsequent operations scheduled for coming days to maintain adherence.
He disclosed that enforcement teams would focus on additional locations during morning hours before shifting to other transport routes in the evening.
“We are planning to hit another place in the morning, and in the evening, we will hit another area. We do not want to disclose specific locations, but areas around Circle and Lapaz will be monitored,” he said.
He noted that personnel would expand undercover operations to guarantee that drivers sustained proper conduct regardless of uniformed staff presence.
Mr Gaisie stated that the GPRTU would maintain its partnership with police authorities to pursue legal action against violators and stabilize public transportation services throughout Accra.
Passenger Complaints
Several passengers awaiting commercial vehicles at different stations voiced frustration regarding extended waiting periods, excessive crowding, and suspected fare manipulation.
Deshaun Nelson, waiting to travel to Oyibi, reported spending more than an hour in queue without securing a vehicle.
He recounted previous incidents aboard public transport vehicles, commonly called Aayalolo, where excessive crowding generated hazardous situations.
“People collapsed due to suffocation, while others became nauseous and vomited because of poor ventilation and overcrowding,” he said.
Another commuter complained that drivers typically collected approved charges at stations when GPRTU representatives were visible but raised fares during trips, leaving passengers with limited options.