The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has formally commended the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) for its decision to rigorously enforce regulations against drivers operating outside of designated stations (commonly known as ‘floating drivers’) and those charging unapproved, illegal transport fares.
Mr. Samuel Amoah, Deputy Public Relations Officer for the GPRTU, stated that this crackdown, if effectively implemented, will ensure sanity and fairness within the transport system, where certain drivers exploit passengers, particularly during rush hours.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he confirmed that GPRTU’s internal investigations have established that the majority of drivers engaged in this practice are the floating drivers who are unaffiliated with the GPRTU or any other officially recognised transport union.
Mr. Amoah’s remarks follow a caution issued by the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE) of AMA, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, to commercial drivers. The MCE urged them to cease charging unapproved fares and to adhere to fair cost margins that alleviate the financial burden on commuters.
The MCE explicitly labelled arbitrary transport fare increases as unfair, exploitative, and a clear violation of the Operation of Commercial Vehicles By-laws, 2017 of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. These by-laws mandate that:
“Commercial drivers must convey passengers to their destination stations without alighting and re-boarding them to charge additional fares, and prohibits drivers from charging more than the Assembly-approved rates agreed upon with transport unions.”
Later, in an interview, Mr. Gilbert Ankrah, Public Relations Officer of AMA, announced that the Assembly would soon commence operations to apprehend drivers who operate outside recognised unions or associations.
He stressed that the activities of these ‘floating drivers’ are a major contributor to fare distortions and disorder on the roads.
Mr. Ankrah added that the Assembly will no longer tolerate drivers who inflate fares without approval, noting that the AMA Sanitation and Motor Court will be prepared throughout the festive period to prosecute offenders. Any driver found guilty will face the full force of the law.
In response to the AMA’s directive, Mr. Samuel Amoah affirmed that the move is highly beneficial. He also took the opportunity to call upon the Ghana Police Service to actively enforce the directive by addressing drivers who breach the law.
Mr. Amoah elaborated on the GPRTU’s internal position: “This is a significant concern for us. We have received numerous complaints regarding the collection of unapproved fares.
Our investigation confirms that the majority of those involved are floating drivers who do not belong to any designated stations or are affiliated with any transport union. We, as a union, have internal mechanisms for dealing with any driver who belongs to the GPRTU.”
He unequivocally stated: “We fully support the approach by the AMA. If it is executed as planned, it will effectively sanitise the sector and weed out the errant drivers. The law must be applied firmly in dealing with the floating drivers.”
He further underscored the legal requirement for commercial drivers: “The law stipulates that before engaging in commercial transport business, a driver must belong to a transport union. The Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 218, Act 2012 provides the operational guidelines for the transport sector.”
He added “If the Police apply the law and arrest drivers who breach it by operating as floating drivers, charging unapproved fares, or failing to join a union, this misconduct will cease. The law states that offending drivers ought to be prosecuted and, if found guilty, they will either be convicted to not more than 25 penalty units or sentenced to three months imprisonment, or both.”
Mr. Amoah lamented that the Police have historically ignored this specific enforcement, often resorting only to the harassment of drivers, stressing that since the GPRTU lacks the power to arrest, the Police must decisively perform their duty.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
