By Emmanuel Bamfo 
Accra commuters can finally breathe a sigh of relief as local authorities take tough action against unfair transport charges. The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) recently arrested six commercial transport operators in the Central Business District (CBD) for illegally overcharging passengers. This sudden taskforce sweep sends a strong signal that arbitrary price hikes will no longer be tolerated in the city.
During an evening enforcement drive between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., city officials caught three trotro drivers and three mates charging fares far above the approved rates. The operators targeted busy routes connecting the CBD to Awoshie, Kasoa, and Madina. On the Awoshie route, one Sprinter bus driver was caught demanding GH¢15 instead of the official GH¢7.50 fare—a massive 100% markup on struggling commuters!
The operations were carried out under Clauses 19(f) and 19(d) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws, 2017. These local laws explicitly state that drivers cannot charge above union-approved tariffs or force passengers to drop off midway to double-charge them. Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey emphasized that these operations will continue at terminals across the capital to ensure total compliance.
Passengers are encouraged to know official fares and report any operator attempting to inflate charges. All six arrested individuals including drivers Joseph Bonney, Francis Morgah, and Foster Osei—were handed over to the police for prosecution at the La Motor Court. With law enforcement actively monitoring lorry parks, everyday travelers can expect safer, fairer transit across Accra.
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