Kumasi residents appeal to gov't to take action against drivers dropping passengers halfway or demand another fare to continue journey

Residents of Adwumaim, Kwabre Kenyase, Obofour, and other communities around Kumasi are urgently calling on the newly appointed Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to address the increasing exploitation of passengers by commercial drivers inflating fares for short distances.

Commuters traveling to and from Kumasi, particularly from the Dr. Mensah station, report that drivers frequently overcharge them by refusing to complete their routes. Instead, they drop passengers off prematurely, forcing them to pay multiple fares to reach their destinations.

"What should cost GH¢5 now takes almost GH¢20 in the morning," lamented a resident of Adwumaim. The situation worsens during evening rush hours, with some drivers allegedly demanding GH¢20 for trips that previously cost GH¢5.

When confronted, drivers often cite rising fuel prices as justification, but passengers argue that these fare hikes are excessive and unjustified. The disputes frequently escalate into heated arguments, and in some cases, violent confrontations.

The issue has had tragic consequences, with reports of a passenger in Ahema Kokoben allegedly losing their life in a dispute over fares.

Residents are now calling for urgent intervention, requesting the deployment of a police task force to monitor driver activities and curb exploitative practices. They believe that holding offending drivers accountable through strict enforcement and prosecution will deter further misconduct.

"We need action now. A police task force must stop these drivers from extorting us daily," pleaded a commuter from Kwabre Kenyase.

With tensions rising, commuters hope that Dr. Amoakohene will take decisive steps to regulate transportation practices in the Kumasi metropolis, ensuring fair and transparent fares for all passengers.