The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has urged passengers to resist paying fares above the approved rates, stressing that any unauthorized increase by drivers is illegal and punishable under the law.
Public Relations Officer for the union, Abass Imoro, made the appeal in an interview with Channel One TV on Tuesday, December 23, highlighting the need for both operators and passengers to strictly adhere to fare regulations.
He explained that any adjustment to fares is formally communicated to the public to ensure everyone is informed, and urged security agencies and law enforcement to take action against operators who violate approved rates.
“Each time we adjust fares, either up or down, a formal communiqué is issued by the Ministry of Transport and disseminated through the media. Since the 15 percent reduction, fares have remained unchanged.
“If anybody on their own decides to raise the fare, they are violating the law. It is the duty of law enforcement to take action against such practices. As a union, we do not support this behaviour; it amounts to cheating.
“Passengers must resist paying more than the approved fare. If you refuse to board a vehicle charging beyond the regulated rate, operators will be compelled to comply with the law,” he said.
Imoro’s comments come amid growing complaints from commuters about drivers charging arbitrary fares in several urban areas, raising concerns about monitoring and enforcement of public transport regulations.