GPRTU Taskforce Arrests 17 Drivers Over Illegal Fares
The Operations Taskforce of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has arrested 17 commercial drivers in Amasaman for charging transport fares that had not been approved by the union, as part of a nationwide enforcement exercise aimed at protecting commuters.
The early-morning operation targeted key transport routes within the Amasaman enclave, following complaints from passengers about arbitrary fare hikes. According to the GPRTU, the exercise forms part of broader efforts to curb indiscipline among commercial drivers and restore public confidence in the road transport system.
Speaking to the media after the operation, the National Guard Commander of the GPRTU Taskforce, Dromond Ekow Gaizie, explained that officers were strategically positioned to monitor driver behaviour and gather intelligence.
“We deployed officers to Sapeman and Medie to observe activities on the ground and relay real-time information to the main team stationed in Amasaman. Most of the drivers arrested were operating what they described as ‘short-short’ routes and charging illegal fares, which is unacceptable,” Mr Gaizie said.
He noted that the taskforce acted swiftly once violations were confirmed. The arrested drivers were handed over to the Amasaman Police for further investigation, while their vehicles were parked at the Amasaman School Park pending further directives from the authorities. Mr Gaizie disclosed that some of the suspects had already been processed for court.
Meanwhile, the Welfare Chairman of the Onuado Branch of the GPRTU in Amasaman, Eric Nii Ashirifi Ayee, used the opportunity to caution drivers against exploiting passengers.
“Drivers must strictly adhere to the approved fare structure. As a union, we will work closely with the taskforce to enforce discipline and ensure that passengers are not subjected to unnecessary financial burdens,” Mr Ayee said.
He urged commercial drivers to cooperate with union officials and comply with laid-down regulations, stressing that enforcement exercises would be sustained.
Interestingly, some of the arrested drivers also appealed to their colleagues to obey official fares. One of them, speaking anonymously, advised, “It’s better to follow the approved fares than to risk arrest and embarrassment.”
The GPRTU has confirmed that similar operations will be rolled out across major transport corridors nationwide as part of ongoing measures to sanitise the public transport sector and protect commuters from exploitation.
