GPRTU Cracks Down on Multiple Fare Charges

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has arrested 15 commercial drivers in Ablekuma, Accra, for allegedly charging passengers multiple and unapproved fares, as the union intensifies efforts to enforce discipline within the city’s transport system.

Confirming the arrests on January 21, the National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Derumond Ekow Gaise, said the operation was carried out by the union’s task force as part of a broader campaign to clamp down on driver indiscipline and illegal practices.

“This is part of the tougher steps we are taking to curb illegal operations by drivers,” Mr Gaise said.

He explained that the task force is targeting drivers who charge beyond approved fare structures, as well as those engaged in the practice known as “short short,” where passengers are ferried between shorter distances despite paying for longer routes.

“Operations now are targeting those who take passengers short distances while claiming longer routes, and those who charge over their approved fares,” he said.

However, some of the arrested drivers have challenged the basis of the operation, insisting that they were unfairly targeted. One of the drivers said that he had charged only the approved fare and was wrongly accused of extortion.

“They arrested me because I am charging unapproved fees. That is not true. I haven’t charged anyone double fare,” he said.

The driver explained that he was operating his normal route from Odorkor to Pokuase and back, insisting that he did not divert passengers or split the journey. He also criticised the union’s leadership for what he described as a lack of communication and engagement with drivers.

“Even if you call yourself a union, your members are us. You have to call us and negotiate. They did not call me for the meeting yesterday,” he said.

Mr Gaise, however, defended the arrests, stressing that the operation is necessary to restore order and protect commuters from exploitation. He appealed to the Ghana Police Service to ensure that offenders are taken to court.

“When the police take them to court, it will help enforce discipline and serve as a deterrent to others,” he noted.

The GPRTU has warned that similar enforcement exercises will continue across Accra, insisting that adherence to approved fares is essential to reducing disputes and maintaining trust between drivers and passengers.