30 commercial drivers have been arrested by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s (KMA) special security task force for allegedly charging customers unauthorized transport rates at night.
Targeting drivers who allegedly requested up to GH¢10 for short journeys that officially cost GH¢3, especially from Santasi to Ahenema Kokobeng, the operation was carried out in Santasi.
Sergeant Sampson Dadzie, the taskforce’s leader, said the arrests are a part of efforts to curb the rising trend of fee overcharging, which he called unlawful and unfair.
“We are doing this to help clean the system. There hasn’t been any increment in transportation fares, so why should you charge overboard? With this kind of attitude, how will the nation develop?” he quizzed.
Sergeant Dadzie affirmed that all of the drivers who were apprehended would be prosecuted in court. Additionally, he warned other commercial drivers not to take advantage of passengers at remote stations or during the nighttime rush hour.
Speaking to Adom News, a few passengers praised the taskforce for the intervention, pointing out that drivers frequently inflate costs by taking advantage of the restricted transit options at night.
“You are charging us GH¢10 to Ahenema Kokobeng; why — are we going to Manso? It’s too bad,” a frustrated commuter lamented.
The KMA unit, which consists of police, military, and Assembly personnel, has promised to continue the operation in order to safeguard passengers from exploitation and guarantee adherence to authorized fares.
