The Ministry of Transport has instructed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to oversee commercial drivers who are imposing new transportation fees, exceeding the existing fares.

In a statement released by its Public Relations Unit in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry revealed ongoing negotiations with Road Transport Operators for updated public transport fares due to the recent rise in fuel prices and related operational expenses.

The Ministry stressed the importance of commercial drivers complying with the current public transport fares established by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). The statement cautioned that those who violate this directive will be subject to legal repercussions.

“The Ministry is urging the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who goes contrary to the directive issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC,” the statement said.

This directive comes after the joint statement released on Thursday, April 11, 2024, by the GPRTU of TUC and the GRTCC, urging commuters not to pay any additional transport fares beyond the existing rates. The statement described any fare increases by commercial transport drivers as unlawful and highlighted ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport regarding potential fare adjustments.

Additionally, on Monday, April 8, 2024, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana jointly announced a 15% increase in transport fares, effective Saturday, April 13, 2024. They cited recent fuel price hikes, government inaction on petrol price reductions, and rising costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants to justify their decision.