Some Kumasi commercial drivers defy fare reduction directive

Some commercial vehicle operators in the Kumasi Metropolis have disregarded the government’s directive to reduce transport fares by 15 per cent.

Checks by the GNA revealed that while a few operators have implemented a partial fare reduction, many continue to charge the old fares in clear defiance of the said directive.

Taxis drivers plying the Adum to Santasi and Adum to Dr Mensah routes maintained their fares of Gh¢6 and Gh¢5 respectively.

The minibuses, commonly known as ‘trotro’ on the Adum to Kenyasi and Adum to Kwaaso routes, have reduced their fares by only 9.1 – a situation fueling constant confrontations between conductors and passengers.

Ms. Hamdia Idrisu, a passenger, told the GNA that she had no choice but to pay what the vehicle operators were demanding because she could not trek to her destination.

She said most vehicle operators in the Kumasi Metropolis were used to overcharging passengers, especially during festive seasons and rush hours.

Another passenger, Mr. Ransford Oteng, appealed to transport unions to help regulate the intra-city vehicle (trotro) operators who are notorious for flouting regulations governing their business.

A press statement signed by the General Secretaries of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council on May 20, 2025, directed commercial vehicle operators to reduce transport fares by 15 percent.

Targeting shared taxis, intra-city, inter-city and haulage operators, the directive was to take effect on May 24, 2025, due to the reductions in the prices of petroleum products.

The situation on the ground suggests that more needs to be done beyond the statement to whip recalcitrant drivers in line with the directive.

Source: GNA