Government Vows Crackdown on Drivers Charging Illegal Fares — Kwakye Ofosu Warns at Accountability Series
Kaneshie market in 2022.
Accra, Ghana- The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has warned commercial drivers and transport operators engaged in price inflation and artificial shortages that the government will take decisive action to protect commuters.
Speaking at the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Felix Kwakye Ofosu said the government had observed worrying practices among some operators despite recent reductions in fuel prices and a corresponding cut in transport fares.
The Communications Minister explained that after fuel prices dropped, transport unions agreed to reduce fares by 15 percent. However, he said some drivers ignored the directive and created a shortage to charge passengers higher fees.
According to him, the practice commonly described as rent-seeking has emerged at major terminals in Accra, where drivers deliberately refuse to load at the agreed bus stops and instead roam, hoping stranded passengers will pay above the approved fares. “There are some transport operators who are creating artificial shortages just so commuters will part with more money than they should ordinarily pay,” he said, describing the actions as unlawful and exploitative.
He added that the government expects operators to honor the agreement with unions to adjust fares only twice a year unless triggered by extraordinary circumstances.
Mr. Ofosu revealed that the Ministry of Transport has already rolled out measures to counter the situation. He noted that during December’s festive period, the State Transport Corporation deployed additional buses to ease congestion, a move that temporarily stabilized fares.
However, with abuse persisting, he said further interventions are being rolled out. “The Minister informs that he has asked STC to put back the vehicles on the road,” he said, adding that dozens of broken-down metro buses are being repaired and will return to service “in a matter of days,” operating beyond their usual routes.
The minister also disclosed that Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe is convening a meeting with the GPRTU and other transport unions to address the violations and hold offending drivers accountable.
Government, he stressed, will not allow commuters to be burdened by profiteering tendencies, particularly at a time when efforts are being made to lower the cost of living.
“Ultimately, a lot of work is being done to increase the fleet of the metro mass transport,” Mr. Ofosu said, insisting that restoring order in the transport system remains a priority.
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