Abass Imoro, the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), has told passengers to resist paying fares above the approved rates.
The GPRTU PRO highlighted that any unofficial increase by drivers is illegal and punishable under the law.
He stressed that both operators and passengers must strictly adhere to fare regulations.
Abass Imoro detailed that any fares are formally communicated to the public to ensure everyone is informed.
He further called on security agencies and law enforcement to arrest transport operators who violate approved rates.
Speaking on Channel One TV on Tuesday, December 23, Abass Imoro stated, “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 per cent 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.
Meanwhile, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), has arrested six commercial drivers for charging unapproved transport fares.
The AMA boss personally led a task force to crack down on operators charging unapproved fares.
He stressed that the first day of the enforcement operation was intended to serve as a firm warning before stricter monitoring and sanctions.
Allotey and his team, during the exercise, walked through heavy traffic, stopping trotros and other commercial vehicles to question drivers about their fares.
Speaking to the media during the operation, the AMA boss stated, “The city cannot allow a situation where commuters are exploited through arbitrary fare hikes, particularly during peak periods.
Sustained enforcement is necessary to ensure fairness in public transport pricing, maintain order at lorry stations and along key corridors, and deter drivers who take advantage of traffic and high demand to charge beyond approved fares.”
He noted that passenger verification would remain a key part of the strategy to monitor compliance.
In related road news, the Vehicle Embossment Association of Ghana (VEMAG) has filed an injunction at the High Court in Accra.
The Vehicle Embossment Association are seeking to restrain the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) from rolling out its planned digital new vehicle number plate registration system starting from January 2026.
Reports suggest the suit was filed by BEMENCO Embossment Ltd and 26 other plaintiffs.
The injunction application was filed at the High Court on Monday, December 22, 2025 and seeks to restrain the DVLA from introducing digitalised vehicle number plates.
The Vehicle Embossment Association, in their injunction, claimed the DVLA awarded both manufacturing and embossment contracts to a single entity, which they claim goes contrary to established practice.
They are also seeking the court to compel the DVLA to continue engaging licensed embossers for 2026 and beyond.