A total of 27 commercial bus drivers and conductors at various locations in Accra have been arrested by a task force of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) for charging unauthorised transport fares.
They were arrested during an enforcement operation aimed at curbing unapproved fares in the last two days amid recent transport disruptions which has generated a heated misunderstanding between the drivers and passengers.
The operation which was conducted in major terminals and transport routes, including Pokuase, Odorkor, Ablekuma, and Kingsway was aimed at addressing the unapproved fares by some unscrupulous drivers.
According to the National Guard Commander of the GPRTU, Drumond Ekow Gaisie, 26 suspected drivers were arrested earlier today and handed over to the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service for further investigation.
“And one of them was discharged after they discovered that his offence was not serious so the remaining 21 were still in police custody.” He told the media.
Mr. Drumond Ekow Gaisie lamented that many of the arrested drivers do not belong to any recognised transport association reason, they were charging their own transport fares.
He explained that every professional driver has to belong to a recognised transport union under L.I. 2180, to ensure that they operate according to the rules and regulations.
“We realised that After the recent transport disruption, some drivers were overcharging so it became necessary for us to conduct this operation.” He said.
To ensure peace and fairness on transport fares, Mr. Gaisie stated that another planned operation is underway in other located areas to curb this menace.
He therefore urged commercial drivers and conductors to comply with the approved transport fares.
Source: Elvisanokye.com