Accra Mayor leads swoop on trotro drivers over illegal fare hikes

Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey has led a special taskforce operation in the Central Business District to clamp down on commercial drivers charging unapproved fares, resulting in the arrest of six drivers.

The exercise, which began at about 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, 27 December, focused on key stretches from the COCOBOD section of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue to the Farisco traffic light – one of the busiest public transport corridors in the capital. Passengers travelling to areas such as Kaneshie, Awoshie, Kasoa and Lapaz were among those affected.

During the operation, the Mayor and his team stopped trotros and other commercial vehicles, comparing the fares being collected with officially approved transport charges, and cross-checking details with passengers on board. While most drivers were found to be compliant, six were identified as overcharging and were immediately detained.

Mr Allotey later issued a caution and released the drivers, saying the first day of enforcement was intended as both a warning and an opportunity for education.

“Sustained enforcement is necessary to ensure fairness in public transport pricing and deter drivers who exploit high demand to overcharge passengers,” he said.

In a symbolic gesture, the Mayor paid the full approved lorry fare for all passengers on a Lapaz-bound bus, reinforcing his message that commuters should not be pressured into paying more than the sanctioned rates.

He indicated that the crackdown would be extended to other parts of the metropolis, with continued checks and sanctions for repeat offenders.

The Mayor also warned both drivers and traders against practices that undermine public order, pledging that the Assembly would maintain a strong presence along major routes to protect commuters and uphold discipline on the roads.