The Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Alexander Obeng, has cautioned drivers and commercial transport operators against charging passengers fares above rates approved by the Ministry of Transport.
Mr Obeng said drivers would no longer be allowed to independently increase fares whenever they considered operating costs or other conditions to have changed.
Speaking about extortion from drivers during peak hours, he explained that any adjustment to transport fares must first be discussed and agreed upon with the Ministry of Transport.
Once a new fare is approved, the rate will be officially communicated to the public.
He warned that drivers who ignore the approved rates and add their own charges could face prosecution for overcharging under Regulation 180(1)(i).
According to him, authorities have begun enforcing the regulation, signalling a tougher approach towards commercial drivers who impose unauthorised fares on passengers.
“Enforcement has begun,” Mr Obeng said, stressing that drivers could no longer increase fares at their discretion.
He also rejected attempts by drivers to use factors such as bad weather as justification for charging passengers more than the approved fare.
He urged transport operators to comply with the law and wait for official decisions on any fare adjustments.
The MTTD chief further called on passengers to report drivers who demand fares above the approved rates.
He said commuters should provide the police with relevant details, including the registration number of the vehicle involved.
“If there’s a police station or police officer nearby, report the issue to them and give them the car number,” he advised.
Mr Obeng acknowledged that investigations into complaints may take some time, urging passengers who make reports to remain patient while the police work to establish the facts.
“Crime has no expiry. Investigators will work and go arrest him,” he said.
The MTTD Director-General issued a final warning to drivers who continue to disregard the approved fares, making it clear that authorities would take action against offenders.
“Overcharging is over. Don’t do it,” he cautioned, adding that drivers who deliberately violate the regulation would be dealt with according to the law.
