The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has taken decisive action to address malpractices within the public transport sector by orchestrating the arrest of fifteen commercial drivers, commonly referred to as trotro drivers, at Ablekuma in Accra. These arrests, carried out yesterday at approximately 10:00 a.m., were prompted by allegations that the drivers were engaging in unfair practices by charging passengers multiple fares for a single journey.
According to the GPRTU, the operation followed numerous complaints from commuters regarding drivers and their conductors splitting approved routes into shorter segments and charging separate fares for each segment. This practice, often referred to as "short-short" operations, has been a source of frustration for passengers who feel they are being exploited.
The GPRTU task force emphasized that the arrests are part of a broader initiative aimed at addressing persistent challenges within Accra's public transport system and promoting discipline among commercial drivers. The union has announced plans to extend similar operations to other major transport hubs, including Odorkor and Circle, in the coming weeks.
Over the years, trotro drivers have been accused of engaging in various forms of malpractice, including charging unapproved fares, artificially reducing the availability of vehicles during peak hours, and overcrowding passengers in retrofitted cargo vans that lack proper safety and comfort features. These issues have fueled calls for the government to modernize Ghana’s public transport system, which remains largely unstructured and devoid of a data-driven approach.
Speaking to journalists, Derumond Ekow Gaise, the National Guards Commander of the GPRTU, stated that the union is committed to rooting out illegal practices within the sector. He explained that the recent arrests specifically targeted drivers who exploit passengers by overcharging or splitting routes unnecessarily.
“For instance, a driver who is supposed to go from Ablekuma to Kaneshie will tell passengers he is going to Awoshie, drop them there, and then charge them again to continue the same journey. These are the ‘short-short’ operations we are arresting,” Mr. Gaise explained.
He further noted that drivers who charge fares above approved rates are also under scrutiny. “We are still on the lookout for those who overcharge. When we get them, we will deal with them. We are appealing to the police to take these cases to court so that when people see it on the media, it will serve as a deterrent,” he added.
Mr. Gaise expressed optimism that prosecuting offending drivers would help instill discipline within the transport sector and deter others from engaging in similar practices.
However, some of the arrested drivers have expressed dissatisfaction with their treatment, claiming that their arrests were unwarranted. Speaking anonymously, one driver denied engaging in multiple fare charging. “I have not charged anyone double fare. I charged the normal fare. I told them I was going to Odorkor, and when I got there, I turned back to Pokuase. I didn’t go further to Kaneshie,” he said.
The driver also highlighted the financial pressures faced by commercial drivers, revealing that they are often required to meet daily sales targets of approximately GH¢600 while their gross daily earnings range between GH¢1,000 and GH¢1,004. He explained that ticket payments alone can cost between GH¢30 and GH¢40 daily.
When asked whether these financial challenges justify unfair treatment of passengers, the driver denied any wrongdoing but expressed confusion over his arrest. “That one, I don’t understand,” he said.
Meanwhile, the GPRTU task force has reaffirmed its commitment to continuing its city-wide crackdown on indiscipline among commercial drivers. Further operations are expected at major transport terminals such as Circle as part of efforts to restore order and fairness within Accra’s public transport system.
This initiative underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reforms in Ghana’s transport sector to address long-standing challenges and enhance commuter experiences.
-By Tetteh Belinda | GhanaCrimes
