GPRTU Sofoline Chairman Blames Unregulated Trotro Drivers For Illegal Fare Hikes, Calls For Unified Transport Front.

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union(GPRTU ) Chairman at Sofoline Branch, Mr. Albert Boamah, has expressed concern over the alarming rate at which some commercial drivers are charging unapproved fares, describing the situation as a major challenge to passengers and the transport sector.

Speaking in an interview, Mr. Boamah disclosed that authorities have allowed commercial or trotro drivers who do not belong to any recognized union to load along the road.

He said these drivers are the main cause of traffic congestion in the area and are largely responsible for charging fares above the approved rates.

“The rate at which passengers are paying huge amounts is really alarming,” Mr. Boamah stated.

He explained that because these operators do not fall under a single regulatory body, it has become difficult to monitor and control their activities.

According to him, the solution lies in bringing all transport operators under one umbrella.

He urged all floating unions and independent drivers to join the GPRTU, noting that the union has the structure and authority to regulate fares and enforce discipline.

“Other transport operator unions claim that because they are many, no one can check them. But GPRTU is the main transport operator with the men and mandate to regulate,” he said.

Mr. Boamah further revealed that although MTTD police officers are often present, some drivers still charge unapproved fares and engage in short-distance loading, alleging that some officers look on because they take money from the drivers. “It is really alarming,” he added.

He also blamed some passengers for enabling the practice, stating that when drivers demand excessive fares, some passengers willingly pay and even defend the drivers when challenged.

“Sometimes passengers must also be blamed.

If a commercial driver asks for a huge amount that is not the approved fare, and you try to defend the passenger, the same passenger will support the driver and turn against you,” he lamented.

Mr. Boamah is calling on government, transport authorities, and other stakeholders to put out strict measures to ensure that all transport operators join the GPRTU.

He believes a unified front will help eliminate irregularities, enforce approved fares, and restore sanity in the transport sector.

Story by Bawah Baidoo.