Public Interest Advocate, Political Analyst, and Author of Articles of Politics, Mr. Philip Danso Appiagyei, has urged the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to act swiftly to curb the rampant charging of unapproved transport fares by some drivers, especially during morning and evening rush hours.
Speaking on the Ultimate Cup of Tea Show, Mr. Appiagyei cautioned that if such practices continue unchecked, they could trigger a chain reaction across various sectors of the economy.
“When drivers continue to charge arbitrary fares without proper regulation, it creates a ripple effect. Market women may also inflate the prices of their goods, mechanics could increase their service charges, and even institutions like the DVLA might indirectly justify higher costs. At that point, no one would have the moral right to complain, because what goes around comes around,” he stressed.
Mr. Appiagyei emphasized that while Ghana operates under a free-market system, it does not give individuals the liberty to exploit others.
“Yes, we live in a free market society, but that doesn’t mean people should do whatever they please, regardless of the hardship it causes others; especially those struggling to afford three square meals a day,” he noted.
“The GPRTU is a recognized regulatory body. Whenever fuel prices go up, they officially announce revised fare structures. Therefore, it is unlawful for drivers to arbitrarily charge passengers amounts that please them. They must be compelled to adhere strictly to approved fares.”
He commended the Sua Yansa Movement, a newly formed citizen-led taskforce in Kumasi, for its efforts to ensure drivers comply with approved fares. However, he cautioned members of the movement to always operate within the confines of the law.
“It’s commendable that the Sua Yansa Movement has taken the initiative to promote fairness in transport fares. But I urge them to follow due process by handing over offenders to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands. Violence or property damage only undermines the noble idea of citizens’ arrest that our constitution allows,” he advised.
Mr. Appiagyei further called on the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and other municipal assemblies to support this initiative by setting up taskforces to intensify public education and monitoring exercises.
“Let’s not leave everything to private individuals. It’s time the assemblies played an active role in addressing this issue,” he concluded.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Emmanuel Anyam
