The Director-General of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), Alexander Obeng, has issued a strong warning to commercial drivers and transport operators against overcharging passengers by increasing fares beyond rates approved by the Ministry of Transport.
Mr Obeng said drivers and transport operators must follow the official process for transport fare increases in Ghana and should not impose additional charges on passengers without authorisation.
Speaking on Police TV, the MTTD Director-General explained that whenever a fare adjustment becomes necessary, transport operators will engage the Ministry of Transport to agree on the new rates.
Once an agreement is reached, the approved fares will be officially communicated to the public.
MTTD Warns Drivers Against Unapproved Fare Increases
Mr Obeng warned that drivers who ignore the agreed fares and add their own charges could face prosecution for overcharging passengers under Regulation 180(1)(i).
He explained that although enforcement of the provision had previously been limited because there was no specific focus on the practice, the police will now strictly enforce the regulation.
“Enforcement has begun,” he stated.
The MTTD boss urged commercial drivers to comply with the approved transport fares and stop using bad weather, traffic conditions, fuel costs or other circumstances as justification for arbitrarily increasing fares.
Passengers Urged to Report Drivers Who Overcharge
Passengers who believe they have been charged more than the approved transport fare have also been encouraged to report such cases to the police.
Mr Obeng said commuters should provide details that can help investigators identify the driver and vehicle involved.
“If there’s a police station or police officer nearby, report the issue to them and give them the car number.”
He encouraged passengers to remain patient after making a complaint, explaining that police investigations may require time before enforcement action can be taken.
According to him, a complaint does not automatically expire simply because an immediate arrest is not made.
“Crime has no expiry. Investigators will work and go arrest him,” he said.
MTTD Says Overcharging Enforcement Has Started
The warning comes amid concerns from passengers about unexpected increases in commercial transport fares, particularly when drivers introduce additional charges without official approval.
Mr Obeng made it clear that drivers are not permitted to independently determine how much passengers should pay.
He stressed that any legitimate transport fare increase in Ghana must be agreed upon through the appropriate process involving transport operators and the Ministry of Transport.
‘Overcharging Is Over’ – MTTD Boss
The MTTD Director-General delivered a final warning to drivers who continue to violate the regulation, insisting that offenders will face the consequences of their actions.
“Overcharging is over. Don’t do it.”
He cautioned drivers against disregarding the law and warned that those who continue charging passengers above approved fares could face police action and prosecution.
The directive is expected to strengthen enforcement of Ghana transport fare regulations while protecting passengers from arbitrary fare increases and ensuring that commercial transport operators comply with officially approved rates.
Source: newsthemegh.com