The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested six commercial transport operators in the Central Business District (CBD) for allegedly charging passengers fares above the approved rates on routes to Awoshie, Kasoa and Madina.
The six operators, made up of three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates,” were arrested on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. during an enforcement exercise conducted by the Assembly.
The exercise followed a warning by the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, against arbitrary increases in fares by some commercial transport operators in the city.
According to the AMA, the arrests were carried out under Clause 19 (f) and (d) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws, 2017.
The by-laws prohibit commercial vehicle operators from charging passengers more than the fares prescribed and approved by the Assembly in consultation with representatives of major transport operator unions.
The regulations also prohibit drivers from making passengers alight at a point along a journey and re-board the same vehicle in order to charge separate fares for different portions of the trip.
The three drivers arrested have been identified as Joseph Bonney, Francis Morgah and Foster Osei.
The three conductors are Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah.
The AMA says the enforcement forms part of efforts to ensure compliance with approved transport fares and protect commuters from unlawful fare charges within the metropolis.
The Assembly is expected to continue its monitoring and enforcement activities to ensure that commercial transport operators adhere to the approved fare regime.
By: Bernard Mensah
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