GPRTU, THE LAWLESSNESS

Recently, I wrote and shared a story on my Facebook page titled “Circle Straight, GHC10.” In that piece, I highlighted how some commercial drivers and their conductors are exploiting passengers along the Nsawam–Pokuase–Circle route.

Since that post, I have received numerous calls and messages from commuters across Accra and even beyond, all sharing similar experiences. It is now clear that this practice of overcharging is not limited to one stretch of road, it has become a widespread problem that affects thousands of innocent passengers daily.

According to the officially approved transport fares, the cost of travel from Pokuase to Circle is GHC 6.50, and from Pokuase to Accra Central, GHC 7.00. However, many drivers are charging between GHC 10 and GHC 20, passengers from Madina (zongo junction) are being forced to pay ghc10, instead of ghc 5, for a trip to Adenta barrier. This injustice is initiated on passengers especially during rush hours in the morning and evening, the amount differ, depending on which community or route you are, or find yourself. For countless commuters, particularly workers and market women, this situation has become both burdensome and heartbreaking.

The question then arises, Is the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) unaware of this growing exploitation? As the mother body of all transport unions, the GPRTU has a duty to monitor, regulate, and ensure fairness within the transport sector. Sadly, its silence in the face of this lawlessness is troubling.

Whenever there is an increase in fuel prices or spare parts, the public sympathizes with the drivers. We support fare adjustments because we understand their challenges. Yet, most of these drivers don’t only fail to reduce fares when fuel prices are reduced, but further take advantage of passengers, creating artificial scarcity and inflating fares without remorse. This is not only unfair, it is dishonest, unjust, and deeply disappointing.

What is the government doing about this? Where are the regulators? And what role is the Ghana Police Service playing in curbing this open exploitation? Beyond that, where are the voices of our moral and religious leaders when such everyday injustices continue to rob Ghanaians of their dignity?

What we are witnessing goes beyond a fare issue; it is a moral crisis. It shows how indiscipline and greed are gradually being normalized in our society.

I call on the GPRTU, the government, the Judiciary, the media, and all opinion leaders to rise and speak for the ordinary Ghanaian. It is time to protect commuters from these exploitative practices and restore sanity to our transport system.

The lawlessness must stop — and it must stop now.

Writer: Sattey Yaw Stephen — a student leader and dedicated public servant with a strong commitment to peace, security, and national student advocacy.

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