Drivers Who Charge Unapproved Fares Will Be Prosecuted – Transport Minister Warns

Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has cautioned commercial drivers against charging fares that have not been approved by government and transport unions, warning that offenders will be prosecuted.

Mr. Nikpe said government has received several complaints from passengers that some drivers charge exorbitant fares, particularly during peak hours when demand for transport is high.

Speaking in an interview in Ho in the Volta Region, the Minister said the practice is unacceptable and drivers have no authority to determine or increase fares on their own.

He explained that government has now passed Legislative Instrument L.I. 2519, which criminalizes the charging of unapproved fares.

"What we are just reminding our drivers who are into this important industry is that we service people, service is very important. Whatever services we render goes round to affect our livelihood and our families. So if you are a driver and you will keep yourself at a point where you think the terminals should take passengers on time and you want to just extort or charge arbitrary fares, there is law now," he said.

"We have just passed the L.I. 2519, which makes it a crime for you to charge unapproved fare. So before this we had no such legislation to sanction drivers, but now we have legislation and the advice is that we comply with whatever fare that is approved by the transport unions and government."

Mr. Nikpe noted that arbitrary increases in transport fares have far-reaching consequences on the economy, as they affect the prices of goods and services, including food, which ultimately impacts drivers and their families as well.