GPRTU cracks whip on fare hikes, arrests 21 drivers

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has arrested 21 commercial drivers in Accra for charging unapproved fares during an operation to enforce compliance with approved transport rates.

The arrests were carried out at key transport terminals as part of a renewed GPRTU campaign to address driver indiscipline and protect commuters from arbitrary fare increases.

At the Odorkor lorry terminal, six drivers operating the Sowutuom–Accra Central route were picked up for charging GH¢9 instead of the approved fare, allegedly justifying the increase with short-stop practices.

Fifteen other drivers were arrested at Ablekuma during the same exercise on Wednesday.

National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Derumond Ekow Gaise, explained that the action forms part of a broader enforcement drive to ensure that only approved fares are charged on city routes.

He said the operation, which has so far focused on daytime activities, will now be extended to cover early mornings and evenings, periods he described as peak times for fare abuses.

Some of the arrested drivers protested the action, describing it as unfair and disconnected from the economic realities they face. One driver argued that high daily sales targets imposed by vehicle owners force drivers to adopt survival strategies.

“Our car owners saddle us with a daily sale of 600 to 800 cedis. If we don’t do short-stop trips, we cannot even break even,” he said, adding that the cost of living remains high despite official claims of relief.

Another driver cited multiple levies at terminals and toll points as a major burden. “We pay a lot of charges, tickets and tolls at the various lorry terminals, and this is how we make up for the losses,” he said, questioning the justification for the arrests.

Other drivers appealed for more education on the mandate and activities of the task force, arguing that better engagement could prevent future confrontations and arrests.

Meanwhile, executives of the Odorkor branch of the GPRTU have cautioned drivers to comply strictly with union regulations to avoid sanctions. Reinforcing the union’s position, Gaise warned that enforcement will intensify across the city.

“We are everywhere and we will ensure that drivers do the right thing. We know these arbitrary charges happen mostly in the mornings and evenings, so we will extend our operations to those periods,” he said.

He disclosed that the arrested drivers may be handed over to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department of the Police for further investigations and possible prosecution.

The GPRTU has maintained that similar exercises will continue across Accra to enforce fare regulations, safeguard commuter interests and reduce frequent disputes on public transport routes.