The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has deployed additional taskforce personnel to the Central Business District to crack down on commercial drivers who charge passengers fares above approved rates.
The move targets trotro, taxi and ride-hailing drivers accused of arbitrarily increasing fares, particularly during rush hours and other peak periods.
The AMA says the practice places an unnecessary financial burden on commuters and contributes to rising costs of food and other essential goods and services.
Speaking to journalists, Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey warned drivers against charging fares outside the approved rates, stressing that the Assembly would intensify monitoring across the metropolis.
“We are pleading with them that they should charge the fees that, by the bylaw, they are supposed to charge. If it is 10 cedis, they should not take 20 cedis just because it is around 4:00 a.m. or during rush hours,” he said.
Mr Allotey further warned that drivers caught flouting the approved fares would face sanctions.
“We are putting a lot of men out there who are going to check, and if you are caught, we will make sure the law deals with you,” he added.
The AMA says the exercise is aimed at protecting commuters from arbitrary fare increases while ensuring that commercial transport operators comply with approved fares within the Accra metropolis.
