The Ministry of Transport has directed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to lookout for transport operators charging fares above the approved ones.

In a directive issued on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry called upon the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to apprehend any driver found contravening the existing fare regulations.

“Therefore, the Ministry is by this statement urging the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who goes contrary to the directive issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC,” the statement said.

Amidst ongoing negotiations for revised public transport fares prompted by the recent surge in fuel prices and operational costs, the Ministry of Transport has underscored the necessity of adhering to the current fares set by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of the TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

The Ministry's Public Relations Unit has emphasised that drivers must strictly comply with the established fares, cautioning of legal repercussions for those who fail to adhere to the directive.

Simultaneously, the GPRTU and GRTCC issued a joint statement on Thursday, April 11, 2024, urging commuters to refrain from paying any additional charges beyond the approved fares.

They denounced unilateral fare increases by certain commercial drivers as illegal, reaffirming ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport to resolve fare adjustments.

Acknowledging the challenges posed by escalating fuel costs and associated expenses, two transport operating groups, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, announced a 15% fare hike, slated to be implemented on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

These groups cited rising fuel prices, government inaction on petrol cost reductions, and the increased expense of vehicle spare parts and lubricants as reasons for the fare increment.

However, the Ministry's directive stands in contrast to these independent fare adjustments, underscoring the importance of adhering to the approved fare structures until further consensus is reached.