The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has fined 22 commercial transport operators for flouting the 15% reduction in transport fares ordered by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and has warned that further violations will result in legal action.
Following a special operation on Tuesday, June 10, the KMA impounded 22 commercial vehicles for charging unapproved fares. The drivers were released on Wednesday, June 11, after each paid a GH₵500 fine, by the Assembly’s Special Exercise Fine approved on July 28, 2023.
In an interview, the Assembly’s Public Relations Officer, Henrietta Afia Konadu Aboagye, confirmed the sanction and provided further clarification on the Assembly’s stance against unregulated transport operations.
“The 22 were all released on the fine of GHS500 each, and they were let go. Per the Road Traffic Act, whenever you want to operate a commercial vehicle, you must belong to a recognised union, but we have had some people operating commercial vehicles and calling themselves waawaa.
“No rule under the law says that. It is not right, because when we are looking for you to train you, we won’t get you, and that is why we want to curtail it,” she explained.
She stressed that by July 31, all commercial drivers must be affiliated with one of the 24 recognised transport unions in the metropolis or risk being banned from operating.
The Assembly had earlier issued a public notice on May 26, warning all commercial drivers to comply with the fare reduction directive and operate within legal frameworks.
The KMA maintains that adherence to union regulations and fare directives is essential for order, monitoring, and driver training within Kumasi’s transport system.