Six commercial drivers were arrested on Wednesday evening when the Chief Executive of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), Michael Kpakpo Allotey, personally led a task force to crack down on operators charging unapproved transport fares in the city.

The operation, which commenced around 5:30 pm, began at the COCOBOD section of Kwame Nkrumah Avenue in the Central Business District and extended to the Farisco traffic light. 

The area was heavily congested with peak-hour commuter activity, as passengers sought transport to destinations including Kaneshie, Awoshie, Kasoa, and Lapaz.

During the exercise, Mr Allotey and his team walked through heavy traffic, stopping trotros and other commercial vehicles to question drivers about their fares.

The amounts collected were cross-checked with passengers to determine compliance with approved rates.

The checks revealed mixed adherence, with some drivers charging the sanctioned fares while others demanded slightly higher amounts. Six drivers were arrested for violating fare regulations but were later cautioned and pardoned by the Mayor.

He emphasised that this was the first day of the enforcement operation and intended to serve as a firm warning before stricter monitoring and sanctions were applied in future rounds.

At one point, Mr Allotey paid the full lorry fares for all passengers on a bus bound for Lapaz. Witnesses said the gesture eased the burden on commuters and reinforced the Assembly’s message that passengers should not be overcharged.

Speaking to the media during the operation, which concluded around 9:30 pm, the Mayor stated that enforcement would continue and be intensified across the metropolis. 

He said, “The city cannot allow a situation where commuters are exploited through arbitrary fare hikes, particularly during peak periods. Sustained enforcement is necessary to ensure fairness in public transport pricing, maintain order at lorry stations and along key corridors, and deter drivers who take advantage of traffic and high demand to charge beyond approved fares.”

Mr Allotey added that passenger verification would remain a key part of the strategy to monitor compliance, and that both drivers and traders engaging in practices undermining public order would be held accountable.

The task force maintained a visible presence along the corridor throughout the evening, signalling the Assembly’s commitment to discipline and lawful operation in commercial areas.