Court Fines Six Drivers, Mates GH¢1,680 for Charging Unapproved Fares in Accra
The La Motor Court has fined six commercial transport operators a total of GH¢1,680 for charging passengers fares above rates approved by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).
The six, made up of three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates,” were convicted on Thursday, August 27, 2026, after they were arrested during an enforcement exercise by the AMA in Accra’s Central Business District.
The exercise was led by the Assembly’s Director of Operations, Mohammed Banda, as part of efforts to enforce approved transport fares and protect commuters from arbitrary fare increases.
Following their conviction, five of the offenders — Francis Morgah, Foster Osei, Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah — were each fined GH¢300, equivalent to 25 penalty units.
The sixth offender, Joseph Bonney, was fined GH¢180, equivalent to 15 penalty units.
The convictions were secured under Clause 19(f) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Bye-laws, 2017. The provision prohibits commercial transport operators from charging fares above those prescribed and approved by the Assembly in consultation with representatives of major transport operator unions.
The court action follows a recent warning by the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, that the Assembly would intensify its crackdown on commercial transport operators who exploit commuters by charging arbitrary fares, particularly during peak periods.
The AMA says the enforcement is intended to ensure compliance with approved fares and prevent passengers from being subjected to unlawful fare increases across the metropolis.
The Assembly has consequently urged commuters to report commercial drivers and mates who charge fares above the approved rates to the appropriate authorities.
By: Bernard Mensah
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