The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has intensified its crackdown on commercial drivers charging unapproved transport fares within the metropolis. A joint taskforce, led by Mohammed Muntari Alhassan, comprising personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Military, and the KMA Guards, impounded about ten vehicles in the Central Business District (CBD). The enforcement drive is particularly focused on night-time operations, targeting major terminals and loading points.
The taskforce has been deployed to strategic points, including Adum, Kejetia, Railways Police station, and other areas where cases of overcharging were rampant. According to Mr. Alhassan, the exercise is being conducted in phases and will be sustained until sanity is restored in fare administration in Kumasi. The team has been monitoring the situation, and a final decision on the impounded vehicles will be taken by the Assembly.
The operation has received commendation from commuters who described it as timely and necessary. Passengers welcomed the move and urged the taskforce to ensure that the exercise continues on a daily basis, especially in the evening. They accused some drivers of engaging in "short-short" - a practice where they deliberately break long journeys into short distances to force passengers to pay multiple fares.
However, some of the drivers rejected the allegations of overcharging passengers. According to them, they have strictly adhered to the approved 8% fare increment and have not charged beyond the stipulated rate. The KMA has reiterated that the operation will be sustained, and any driver found culpable will have their vehicle impounded and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Mr. Alhassan sent a strong warning to vehicle owners, urging them to caution their drivers against overcharging passengers. He advised car owners to ensure that their drivers do the right thing, as they will not give them more than their sales. He also called on the public to support the Assembly by reporting any driver who charges fares above the approved list.
The exercise is part of the KMA's efforts to regulate transport fares in Kumasi. The Assembly has engaged 24 unions ahead of Christmas to ensure that drivers comply with the approved fare structure. The KMA's efforts aim to protect commuters from exploitation by drivers.
The KMA's crackdown on unapproved transport fares is ongoing, with the taskforce moving in a gradual process, changing strategies to ensure effective enforcement. The public has been urged to report any driver who charges fares above the approved list, assuring that the taskforce will respond swiftly.
Key points
- The KMA has impounded 10 vehicles in a crackdown on commercial drivers charging unapproved transport fares within the metropolis.
- The operation will be sustained until sanity is restored in fare administration in Kumasi.
- The public has been urged to support the Assembly by reporting any driver who charges fares above the approved list.
