The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested six commercial transport operators for allegedly charging passengers fares above the approved rates in parts of the Central Business District (CBD).
The six suspects, made up of three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates”, were arrested during an enforcement exercise on Tuesday, August 25, 2026.
The operation was conducted between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. following concerns over reports that some commercial transport operators were increasing fares without approval.
The arrested drivers have been identified as Joseph Bonney, Francis Morgah and Foster Osei. The three mates are Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah.
According to the AMA, the suspects were allegedly charging passengers travelling to destinations including Awoshie, Kasoa and Madina more than the approved fares.
The enforcement exercise follows a warning from the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, against arbitrary increases in transport fares by commercial vehicle operators in the city.
The Assembly said the arrests were made under clauses 19(f) and 19(d) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws, 2017.
The by-laws prohibit commercial vehicle drivers from charging passengers more than the fares approved by the Assembly in consultation with major transport operator unions.
They also prohibit drivers and mates from forcing passengers to get down during a journey and board the same vehicle again to charge separate fares for different parts of the trip.
The AMA has indicated that it will continue its monitoring and enforcement activities to protect passengers from unfair transport charges.
