The residents of Nungua want an improvement in their transportation system | File photo
Residents of Nungua are urging the government to strengthen the transportation system and regulatory mechanisms, following some commercial drivers’ failure to adjust fares despite recent directives by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
According to residents, the absence of an effective enforcement framework had allowed many drivers to flout fare reduction announcements, undermining efforts to reflect changes in fuel prices and burdening commuters with unjustified transport costs.
They lamented that they did not understand why the leadership of GPRTU had failed to take strict action against commercial drivers who were refusing to comply with the recent 15 per cent reduction in transport fares.
The new fares, which took effect on May 24, 2025, were introduced following a decline in fuel prices nationwide; however, many residents say implementation had been poor and enforcement weak.
They added that although some drivers had reduced the fares, it was not up to the 15 per cent instructed by the GPRTU.
“We need the Ayalolo buses again; if possible, the government should station two or three at the various stations because it looks as though these drivers do what they want. Your union has instructed that you reduce the prices of fares, but see what they are doing.”
“When fuel prices go up, they don’t even wait for the union to make an announcement of price increments; they just increase it.
Some commuters from Ecobank, Spintex, to Ashaiman recounted how they were dropped off by drivers when they refused to pay the old fare,” Kenneth Opoku, an engineer, said.
Anabel Tekyi , a nurse, said, “I boarded a trotro from Ecobank to Ashaiman, and when I paid the new fare, the mate refused to accept it. Most of the passengers refused to pay the old fare; the driver later dropped us off at Klagon in the middle of the journey and told us to board a new vehicle.”
She added that the driver and conductor claimed fuel was not the product needed for the car to be in good condition, adding that the prices of spare parts had not been reduced on the market and the owner of the vehicle was expecting the old sale.
“It is unfair; the government and GPRTU must ensure drivers obey the rules,” Ms Tekyi further said.
Emmanuel Mensah, a student, shared a similar experience. “The driver insulted me. When I insisted on paying the reduced fare, he claimed the reduction does not cover his route.”
He added that “He claimed they cannot take GHC 6 from Spintex to Ashaiman, so the least amount they would take is GHC 6.50, yet the price of fuel continues to drop.”