The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has dismissed claims that its members are deliberately exploiting passengers by charging unapproved fares amid reported public transport shortages.

The statement follows criticism from the Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who accused some transport operators of creating artificial vehicle scarcity to increase fares.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s Dwaso Nsem, the Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said the union does not sanction such conduct and would never direct its members to flout fare regulations or abandon official stations.

“These problems happening at the roadside, where passengers are stranded, and drivers take advantage to charge unapproved fares, involve vehicles that do not belong to the union. Most of these are floating vehicles,” he said.

Mr Amoah disclosed that the union has already held internal meetings and is taking steps to strengthen enforcement among its members. He revealed that a task force will be deployed to ensure compliance on the roads.

“We will be hitting the streets with our task force to ensure that if our vehicles are found engaging in such practices, we will cause their arrest and impose sanctions,” he stated.

He further advised commuters to use vehicles from designated GPRTU stations rather than boarding vehicles by the roadside, noting that unionised drivers operate within approved routes, pay required fees, and are subject to monitoring.

“We encourage passengers to use these stations rather than catching vehicles from the roadside,” he added.

Mr Amoah emphasised that the alleged fare abuses are largely linked to unaffiliated drivers operating outside established transport terminals, stressing that the union remains committed to upholding approved fares and protecting commuters.