The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has announced plans to roll out a taskforce to clamp down on drivers who flout approved transport fares and engage in other unlawful practices, amid public complaints of artificial vehicle shortages.
The decision follows strong criticism from the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who accused some commercial drivers of deliberately withholding vehicles from terminals in order to overcharge commuters.
The Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union does not support fare violations and is determined to discipline members found guilty of such conduct.
According to him, the taskforce will operate in collaboration with the Ghana Police Service and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies to ensure effective enforcement.
“We had a meeting today, and we will soon be hitting the streets with our taskforce. If our vehicles are found engaging in these practices, we will have them arrested and sanctioned. We are also hoping to meet the Transport Minister by Friday,” Amoah stated.
He explained that union guards, together with the police and local authorities, will be stationed at identified hotspots where drivers often loiter to create artificial scarcity. Drivers who belong to the GPRTU will face internal sanctions, while non-members will be dealt with according to the law.
Mr Amoah also appealed to commuters to patronise vehicles from designated transport terminals rather than boarding from the roadside, noting that official stations allow for better regulation, monitoring and compliance with approved fares.
