Veep warns transport operators against exploiting passengers

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyeman has cautioned transport operators against practices that exploit passengers, urging fairness, safety, and accountability across Ghana’s transport sector.

She issued the warning during a crunch meeting at the Transport Ministry on Friday morning, attended by Transport Minister Joseph Nikpe Bukari and key stakeholders in the public and private transport industry.

The Vice President said passengers must not be subjected to unfair fares, excessive queues, or unsafe travel conditions, stressing that the government will not tolerate conduct that undermines public trust.

“We want to ensure that no passenger feels exploited, whether through fares, queues, or lapses in safety protocols,” Prof Opoku-Agyeman said. “Fairness, transparency, and accountability must guide everything we do, regardless of the sector.”

Her comments come against the backdrop of growing public frustration, as the sight of commuters stranded by roadsides has become increasingly common in recent times.

Many passengers complain that the few buses that eventually stop to pick them up often charge higher fares, citing poor road conditions, fuel costs or traffic congestion.

The Vice President urged transport union leaders to take responsibility for the conduct of their members, warning that reckless comments and unprofessional behaviour by drivers and conductors worsen tensions between operators and the commuting public.

“I encourage you, as leaders, to monitor your membership to prevent unnecessary negative outcomes,” she said.

Prof Opoku-Agyeman also linked the transport challenges to the broader road infrastructure deficit, describing road repairs as critical to national development and social welfare.

“If someone is sick and needs to get to the hospital but a driver refuses because the road is bad, you can imagine the implications,” she noted.

She said government is taking steps to modernise and expand transport services to improve access, affordability and security. This includes retooling state-run services and supporting private operators.

“In this vein, His Excellency the President has asked me to assure you that support will be given to Metro Mass, Ayalolo and the private sector with new high-occupancy buses,” the Vice President said, adding that repairs of grounded buses would be expedited to increase fleet availability.

She called for sustained collaboration between government and operators, saying respect for passengers and high service standards are essential to rebuilding confidence in Ghana’s transport system.