Court fines six drivers, mates GH¢1,680 for charging unapproved fares in Accra

A file photo

The La Motor Court has fined six commercial transport operators a total of GH¢1,680 for charging passengers fares above those approved by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The six, comprising three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates”, were convicted on Thursday, August 27, after they were arrested during an AMA enforcement exercise in the Central Business District (CBD).

The enforcement exercise was led by the AMA Director of Operations, Mohammed Banda, as part of efforts to clamp down on commercial transport operators charging unauthorised fares.

Francis Morgah, Foster Osei, Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah were each fined GH¢300, equivalent to 25 penalty units.

Joseph Bonney, on the other hand, was fined GH¢180, equivalent to 15 penalty units.

The convictions were secured under Clause 19(f) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Bye-laws, 2017.

The provision prohibits commercial drivers from charging fares above those prescribed and approved by the Assembly in consultation with representatives of major transport operator unions.

The court action follows a recent warning by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, that the AMA would clamp down on transport operators who exploit commuters through arbitrary fare increases, particularly during peak periods.

Reacting to the convictions, Mayor Allotey said the court's decision should serve as a warning to commercial transport operators who continue to charge passengers above the approved fares.

He said the AMA would sustain its enforcement efforts to protect commuters from exploitation.

The Mayor also urged passengers to report cases of overcharging to the Assembly through its “See Something, Say Something” WhatsApp line on 0544914628.

He asked complainants to provide pictures of the vehicle and its registration number to assist the Assembly with its investigations.