The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has intensified efforts to curb arbitrary transport fares in the metropolis, warning commercial drivers against charging passengers unauthorised amounts and engaging in practices that increase commuting costs.
The enforcement exercise was led by Kumasi Mayor Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, alongside officials from the Assembly’s Transport Department and a security task force.
The team visited major transport points, including Abrepo Junction, Racecourse, Ashtown, Kejetia and Adum, to inspect commercial transport operations and ensure compliance with approved fares.
During the operation, officials intercepted commercial vehicles carrying passengers and questioned commuters about the fares they had paid. While some vehicles were cleared to continue their journeys after inspection, the Mayor personally supervised the loading of other vehicles to ensure passengers could travel to their intended destinations.
Mr Boadi expressed concern about the practice known as “short-short”, in which drivers operate only along selected portions of a route, forcing passengers to board additional vehicles and pay extra fares to complete their journeys.
He cautioned drivers against the practice and called on them to adhere to approved transport arrangements and the operational regulations of their respective unions.
The Mayor also ordered the immediate closure of transport unions operating without the required permits, directing them to secure the appropriate authorisation before resuming their activities.
He further encouraged commuters to report drivers and transport unions that violate approved fare arrangements, stressing the importance of public cooperation in addressing unfair practices within the transport sector.
The KMA said it would sustain its monitoring and enforcement operations across Kumasi to ensure compliance with transport regulations and protect commuters from arbitrary fare increases.
