The Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has warned commercial transport operators against charging passengers fares above those approved by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), urging commuters to report such incidents to the Assembly.
Mr Allotey said passengers who are charged unapproved fares can use the AMA’s “See Something, Say Something” WhatsApp line on 0544914628 to file complaints. He encouraged commuters to provide pictures of the vehicle and its registration number to assist authorities in investigating reported cases.
His warning follows the conviction of six commercial transport operators at the La Motor Court for charging passengers above the approved fares.
The six, comprising three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates”, were arrested during an enforcement exercise conducted by the AMA in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD).
The exercise was led by the Assembly’s Director of Operations, Mohammed Banda, as part of efforts to enforce regulations governing commercial transport operations within the metropolis.
Following their conviction, Francis Morgah, Foster Osei, Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah were each fined GH¢300, equivalent to 25 penalty units.
Joseph Bonney, the sixth offender, was fined GH¢180, equivalent to 15 penalty units.
The six were convicted under Clause 19(f) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Bye-laws, 2017, which prohibits commercial transport operators from charging passengers more than fares prescribed and approved by the Assembly in consultation with representatives of major transport operator unions.
The court action comes after Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey warned that the AMA would intensify its crackdown on transport operators who exploit commuters through arbitrary fare increases, particularly during periods of high passenger demand.
Reacting to the convictions, the Mayor said the court’s decision should serve as a warning to commercial transport operators who continue to charge fares beyond the approved rates.
He assured commuters that the Assembly would sustain its enforcement activities and take action against operators found violating the approved fare regulations.
Mr Allotey also reiterated the AMA’s commitment to protecting passengers from exploitation and encouraged commuters to report violations rather than paying unapproved fares without raising complaints.
