The Minister for Transportation, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, says the newly deployed 11-member task force in Accra has been mandated to identify commercial drivers who extort passengers by imposing unapproved fares.

Mr Nikpe explained that the team will monitor major transport corridors, document the registration numbers of offending vehicles, and submit their findings to the Ministry for immediate action.

He cited situations where drivers abandon designated routes mid-journey and demand extra payment from stranded passengers—describing it as a deliberate attempt to exploit commuters.

According to him, the task force will focus on vehicles that operate outside approved terminals and lorry stations, as well as those charging arbitrary fares, particularly during peak hours. He said such practices erode public trust and impose needless financial pressure on passengers.

The task force is expected to present its full report by Saturday, December 13. Mr Nikpe emphasised that the exercise is part of a broader strategy to sanitise public transport operations and protect commuters from exploitation.