Barekese Residents Stranded As Drivers Vow Not To Move Over Fare Dispute.
Commuters at the Barekese lorry station are stranded this morning after commercial drivers vowed not to move their vehicles over a disagreement on unapproved transport fares.
According to eyewitnesses, the drivers are protesting against what they describe as unfair pressure to charge fares that have not been approved by the transport unions and regulatory authorities.
The standoff has left dozens of passengers, including traders, students and workers, stranded at the station with no vehicles available to convey them to Kumasi and other destinations.
Some of the affected commuters say they have been at the station for hours with no hope of traveling, while others are being forced to pay higher fares to private vehicles.
This comes just days after the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly warned transport operators against charging illegal fares and threatened to revoke operating permits of those found culpable.
The situation at Barekese is adding to growing tensions in the transport sector across the Ashanti Region, as drivers and regulators clash over fare adjustments.
Authorities are yet to intervene at the Barekese station.
Commuters are being advised to seek alternative means of transport while stakeholders work to resolve the impasse.
We will bring you updates as the story develops.
Story by SOFOBA KWAME AFRIFAH’S.
