Authorities and transport unions in Ghana have stepped up enforcement against trotro drivers accused of overcharging passengers at major transport terminals. In recent operations across the country, multiple commercial drivers have been arrested for charging fares above the approved rates and engaging in unfair practices that exploit commuters.
In Accra, a taskforce from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), with support from local assemblies, apprehended 15 trotro drivers at the Awoshie Market area after commuters complained about inflated fares and fare splitting tactics. Authorities say the drivers imposed illegal charges by breaking longer routes into shorter segments and demanding payment for each, a practice known locally as “short-short” pricing.
Additional arrests were reported at terminals including Odorkor and other central locations where drivers allegedly charged unapproved transport fares. These operations are part of wider efforts to protect passengers from exploitation and ensure compliance with official fare structures set by transport regulators.
Transport unions and authorities have stressed that the crackdown aims to restore fairness in public transport pricing and discourage vulgar overcharging. Some of the drivers now face further investigation and potential prosecution under transport regulations.
Passengers and commuters have welcomed the moves, saying they offer hope after widespread complaints about inconsistent and inflated trotro fares that have worsened alongside transport shortages and high demand.
