Commuters along the Madina-Mampong and Akropong routes have raised serious concerns over what they describe as exploitative and coordinated fare hikes by members of the Trotro Drivers’ Union operating in the area.
Passengers, especially public sector workers returning from late shifts, are calling for immediate government intervention.
The drivers, according to multiple eyewitness accounts, have reportedly been parking their vehicles for several hours in the evening, only to resume operations after 9:00 PM, when they significantly inflate transport fares.
Regular fares which are supposed to be GHC16 to Mampong and GHC20 to Akropong are being increased to GHC25 and even GHC30 or more, depending on the time of night and the driver.
“After 11pm, they tell us they can’t get passengers for their return trips, so they add the cost to our fares. It’s unfair. We are suffering,” lamented Adjoa Mensah, a teacher who commutes from Madina to Mampong daily.
The situation, many say, has become a deliberate tactic to frustrate commuters and, according to some commuters, appears politically motivated. They accuse the drivers’ union of using their actions to paint former President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership in a bad light, especially as political tensions begin to rise ahead of the 2024 elections.
“They’re trying to use this to make the government look bad,” said Kojo Appiah, a civil servant affected by the price hikes. “But it’s the ordinary people who are suffering.”
Residents say the fare inflation is particularly harsh for workers and students returning home late, as the routes lead to mountainous areas where transport options are limited after dark.
The Drivers’ Union has not officially responded to the allegations. However, transport observers note that such fare hikes violate existing fare regulations by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ministry of Transport, which discourage arbitrary pricing.
Frustrated passengers are urging the Ministry of Transport, the Municipal Assembly, and law enforcement agencies to investigate the situation and impose sanctions against any drivers found exploiting the public.
Meanwhile, commuters continue to bear the brunt of the situation with no sign of reprieve in sight, as calls for government action grow louder by the day.
These are most 207 Mercedes benz buses.
One of the drivers a big belly old man in his late fifties said Pres Mahama can’t tell us how much to charge and can’t run our station for us when the passengers poured out their frustrations.
