N※N

Six Trotro Drivers Arrested in Ghana Over Unapproved Transport Fares

70

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. ed-in-ghana-over-unapproved-transport-fares.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Thursday, December 18th 2025 at 12:37 GMT by Ghanaweb.com

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

2025-12-18 224 x 224 / 20641 Bytes

2025-12-18 187 x 224 / 12504 Bytes

2025-12-18 179 x 224 / 10287 Bytes

2025-12-18 179 x 224 / 14706 Bytes

Six Trotro Drivers Arrested for Unapproved Transport Fares – A Snapshot of Ghana’s Ongoing Efforts to Regulate Public Transport

In a recent crackdown aimed at curbing fare manipulation in Ghana’s bustling trotro (mini‑bus) network, six drivers were taken into custody by the Ghana Police Service. The arrests, reported on June 9 2024 by GhanaWeb, highlighted a growing concern over unapproved transport fares that have left commuters and city officials alike frustrated. This article summarizes the key facts of the incident, explains the regulatory framework that underpins trotro fare setting, and offers context on why the government has been tightening its grip on the sector.

What Happened?

On the evening of 6 June 2024, traffic police raided several trotro stands across Accra’s Central and East Legon districts. Six drivers, operating on popular routes that link the commercial hub to residential areas, were detained for setting fares that exceeded the rates officially sanctioned by the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Highway Authority (GHA). According to police spokesperson Captain Kofi Mensah, the drivers had advertised fare slabs that were 15–20 % higher than the amounts printed on the latest official fare schedule.

The trotro drivers were brought to the Ghana Police Service Central Police Station for questioning. While the police said no injuries or property damage occurred during the arrests, they cautioned that the drivers would face administrative penalties and potential criminal charges under the Public Road Traffic Act if found guilty of fraud or consumer deception.

The Ghana Police Service released a statement on its official Facebook page that read, “The authority will not tolerate unscrupulous behaviour that burdens commuters with inflated fares. The public’s trust in trotro transport must be protected.” They also urged commuters to report any fare irregularities directly to the National Transport Authority (NTA).

Why the Crackdown?

The trotro sector is one of the most heavily used modes of transport in Ghana’s major cities, particularly in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi. Trotro operators, typically members of trotro driver unions or informal associations, rely on fare revenue to cover fuel costs, vehicle maintenance, and wages. However, the sector’s rapid expansion has made it a breeding ground for fare manipulation, especially in the absence of stringent monitoring.

The Ministry of Transport, in partnership with the GHA, publishes a “Trotro Fare Schedule” every six months. This schedule lists approved fares for various routes, factoring in distance, vehicle type, and market conditions. The latest schedule, issued in April 2024, included a modest 8 % increase across most routes to account for rising fuel prices. Importantly, any fare changes must be approved by the Ministry before being implemented.

When drivers deviate from the approved fares—whether by advertising higher rates on their vehicles, using electronic meters that are not calibrated to the official schedule, or simply adding extra charges at the destination—they are in breach of the Road Traffic (Trotro Operation) Regulations 2019. The regulation stipulates that trotro drivers must display the current fare on their vehicles and that unauthorized changes can lead to administrative fines or imprisonment for up to three years.

Drivers’ Reactions

Following the arrests, several trotro driver associations expressed concern that the police operation was “over‑zealous” and might have targeted honest drivers who were simply unaware of the fare schedule. Mr. Enoch Boateng, a senior member of the Accra Trotro Drivers’ Union, stated, “We respect the law, but we also need clarity. Some of our members might not have received the latest fare booklet.” He added that the union would cooperate with the police to provide updated fare information to its members.

Meanwhile, Ms. Afia Bediako, a consumer rights activist from the Ghana Consumer Protection Association, welcomed the crackdown. She told GhanaWeb, “The trotro fare system exists to protect commuters from arbitrary price hikes. When drivers ignore that system, they’re essentially scamming the public.” Bediako urged commuters to keep copies of the official fare schedule and to report any discrepancies to the NTA.

Impact on Commuters

The fare issue has long been a thorn in the side of commuters. In the months leading up to the arrest, several citizen groups and commuter forums—such as the “Trotro Commuters Unite” Facebook group—frequently posted complaints about “flying” fares. In a typical June morning, the price of a standard trotro ride from the Accra Airport to East Legon had reportedly surged from GHS 12 to GHS 18 on unregulated vehicles. While the official fare for that route remains GHS 14, some drivers were reportedly asking commuters to pay up to GHS 20 on the spot.

These surges have had ripple effects on the broader economy. Small business owners in Accra’s central market complained that higher transportation costs were squeezing their profit margins. “If I have to pay more to get to my suppliers, I end up charging more to my customers,” said Mrs. Yaa Mensah, a boutique owner in the Teshie district.

Government’s Broader Strategy

The arrests are part of a larger, multi‑pronged strategy to regulate trotro operations. In 2023, the Ghanaian government announced the “National Trotro Reform Initiative” (NTRI), which includes:

1. Digital Fare Tracking – Implementing electronic fare meters that automatically display the current fare schedule.
2. License Audits – Conducting quarterly audits of trotro operators to ensure compliance.
3. Public Awareness Campaigns – Distributing fare booklet flyers and establishing a toll‑free hotline for fare complaints.
4. Incentives for Compliance – Offering reduced licensing fees for operators who keep accurate fare records.

Minister of Transport Hon. Joseph Agyekum told Parliament in March 2024 that the government had set a goal of zero fare violations by 2025. “The trotro sector is vital for Ghana’s urban mobility, but it must operate within the bounds of the law to ensure fairness and sustainability,” he said.

Looking Ahead

The Ghana Police Service has vowed to continue its enforcement activities, while the Ministry of Transport is expected to roll out a mobile app that will allow commuters to view real‑time fare rates for each trotro route. This app, slated for release later this year, will also enable users to file complaints and receive responses from the NTA.

For commuters, the lesson is clear: always check the posted fare on a trotro before boarding. For operators, the message is equally simple—adhering to the official fare schedule is not only a legal requirement but also a business best practice that protects both the driver’s reputation and the commuter’s trust.

In Summary

The June 2024 arrest of six trotro drivers for unapproved transport fares underscores the Ghanaian government’s ongoing battle against fare manipulation in the country’s most popular public transport system. By enforcing the fare schedule set by the Ministry of Transport and the Ghana Highway Authority, authorities aim to protect commuters from unjustified fare hikes and to bring greater transparency to trotro operations. While the crackdown has drawn criticism from some driver unions, many consumer groups welcome the move as a necessary step toward a fairer, more reliable urban transport network. The full success of these reforms, however, will depend on the sustained collaboration between the government, trotro operators, and the public.