The Deputy Industrial and Public Relations Officer of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Samuel Amoah, has called for police and government intervention to tackle illegal fare practices by drivers who are not part of any union.

Speaking in an interview on Adom FM’s morning show Dwaso Nsem, Mr Amoah explained that while the GPRTU has clear bylaws and can enforce fare rules among its members, it has no authority over drivers operating outside the union.

“The one thing we will do is that we need police help. We have our bylaws, and being part of the group means you have to follow these laws. Even when we reduced lorry fares by 5 percent last year, we documented it and gave written instructions for all our drivers to abide by it. But if you are not a member of the union, we don’t have the power to discipline you,” he said.

He added that government engagement with transport unions is important to ensure compliance.

“If the Transport Minister calls a meeting on any fares agreement, union drivers can participate and have a say. But drivers outside the union will always find ways to overcharge unless the government intervenes,” he said.

Mr Amoah further urged that drivers operating outside established unions or associations should either join an existing union or legally form an association to be recognised and regulated.

“The solution lies with the government, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDCEs), and the Road Safety Authority to create clear rules that will control drivers in Ghana,” he said.

His comments come after Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, criticised deliberate attempts by some transport operators to withhold vehicles to overcharge passengers.

The GPRTU emphasised that sustained enforcement and public cooperation are critical to curbing fare abuse and restoring confidence in public transport operations.