Despite a government directive aimed at easing the burden of high transport costs, many commercial drivers in Kumasi are openly disregarding the mandated 15% reduction in transport fares, leaving passengers frustrated and helpless.
A recent visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to major transport routes in the metropolis revealed widespread non-compliance, with drivers either refusing to reduce fares or offering token reductions well below the required threshold.
For instance, taxi drivers operating between Adum and Santasi, and Adum and Dr. Mensah, continue to charge GH¢6 and GH¢5 respectively—unchanged from previous rates. Meanwhile, some ‘trotro’ operators on the Adum-Kenyasi and Adum-Kwaaso routes have only dropped fares by approximately 9%, far below the official directive.
The partial or complete failure to implement the fare cut is fueling tension between conductors and passengers. “I have to pay what they demand because I can’t walk all the way,” lamented Hamdia Idrisu, a commuter caught in the dilemma.
Passengers say this is not a new trend. “They’ve always taken advantage of the system, especially during peak periods,” said Ransford Oteng, who urged transport unions to step in and enforce the rules.
The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council had, in a joint statement dated May 20, directed all commercial transport operators to reduce fares by 15% starting May 24, following significant fuel price drops.
However, the situation in Kumasi shows that issuing directives without enforcement mechanisms may do little to bring relief to commuters. Many are now calling for visible government action and stricter penalties for non-compliant drivers.
The continued defiance raises questions about the power of regulatory bodies in ensuring fair transport practices and protecting the interests of the commuting public.
