Transport Ministry Orders Police to Detain Drivers Charging Unapproved Fares

The Ghana Transport Ministry has taken a strong stance against drivers charging fares that have not been approved, directing the police to take action in such cases.

The Ministry issued a statement on April 14, 2024, in response to some commercial drivers increasing their fares without authorization following rises in fuel prices and operational costs.

The ongoing negotiations between the Ministry and transport operators have yet to reach a resolution, prompting the Ministry to call on the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to crack down on drivers not complying with fare directives from the GPRTU and the GRTCC.

While the legality of involving the police in regulating private transportation businesses is questionable, the directive has raised concerns about the reminiscence of authoritarian practices from past military rule in Ghana.

The recent fare hike announcement from certain driver associations led to discussions with the Ministry, but some drivers decided to implement the increase before official approvals were granted.

The GPRTU and the GRTCC have advised drivers to await the outcome of the ongoing negotiations regarding cost adjustments before revising fares.

The Ministry’s call for police intervention is a response to drivers who have already raised prices independently. As of now, there is no specific law in Ghana authorizing the police to detain private commercial business owners based on pricing decisions, prompting concerns over the enforcement of such actions.