The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has stated that the Sanitation and Motor Court will be operational throughout the festive season as part of measures to prosecute offenders.
These offenders include those who charge unapproved fares, engage in floating activities (operating outside recognized stations), and breach sanitation laws.
The Public Relations Officer for the AMA, Mr. Gilbert Ankrah, said that, as the Metropolitan Chief Executive, Mr. Kpakpo Allotey, recently cautioned, it is unlawful for any commercial transport operator to charge unapproved fares.
Mr. Ankrah explained that the arbitrary increases in transport fares are not only unfair and exploitative but also in violation of the Operation of Commercial Vehicles By-laws, 2017, of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
The By-laws state 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.”
Speaking in an interview on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Mr. Ankrah noted that the Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) met with transport operators on Friday, November 21, 2025, to address concerns regarding transport fares, road safety, free vehicular movement, sanitation, and security in preparation for the festive period.
Mr. Ankrah reiterated that the AMA would be working in collaboration with the Police in rolling out this initiative.
“The AMA would be working in collaboration with the Police to clamp down on drivers who operate outside recognised unions or associations, popularly known as floating drivers. Those who also charge unapproved fares would also be arrested and prosecuted. The charging of unapproved fares has led to fare distortions and disorder on the roads. We encourage the public to report drivers who charge unapproved fares. There is the need for them to always use designated lorry stations when in need of public transport and avoid using the floating system.
The Operation of Commercial Vehicles By-laws, 2017 of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) is very clear and we urge the drivers to get a copy and read. The fares charged must be in accordance with what the law states. Our Sanitation and Motor Court would be operational throughout the festive season so we will prosecute all offenders.”
On the issue of sanitation, he stated that the AMA has observed that some drivers and their mates dump refuse from their vehicles at bus stops, and to deal with this, such offenders would be prosecuted.
He added that as the AMA takes steps to clean the city, it would also take decisive action in prosecuting those who dump waste indiscriminately.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
