CUTS demands action as drivers reject lower fares; KMA begins enforcement

Consumer advocacy group CUTS International is calling on the government to take swift action to make sure passengers benefit from the recent fuel price cuts. The group says many commercial drivers are refusing to apply a 15% reduction in fares, as announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

“Fuel prices have dropped significantly, and GPRTU has taken the commendable step of recommending lorry fare reductions by 15%,” said Appiah Kusi Adomako, West Africa Regional Director of CUTS. “It is only fair that passengers, many of whom are struggling with the high cost of living, should see the benefits of this reduction reflected in their daily transport costs.”

Although the fare cut took effect on Saturday, 24 May 2025, many drivers continue to charge old prices, blaming other operational costs. CUTS called this unacceptable, warning it undermines public trust. “Transport fares are one of the biggest daily expenditures for millions of Ghanaians. Any attempt to suppress a legitimate fare reduction due to falling fuel prices is simply unacceptable,” Mr. Adomako said.

To enforce the new fares, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has launched a city-wide crackdown. “The police will be out starting today to ensure that every driver is able to reduce the fare that they charge now by the agreed 15% with the ministry of transport,” said Randy Wilson, Head of KMA’s Transport Department. “It’s not going to be a one-day wonder, but something that is going to go through to ensure that those arbitrary charges… wouldn’t be occurring again.”

Wilson said the KMA is already receiving complaints. “There’s a phone number that we give out and there are lots of people that are calling to complain about being charged beyond what has been agreed… within 2-3 days, all these drivers will be fished out and the appropriate punishment will be meted out.”

He added that penalties have been set under KMA’s transport reform plans. “The KMA as part of the transport re-organization process came up with certain fees… that will also be applied.”

Passengers are encouraged to report defaulting drivers by sending the vehicle number, route, and fare to 0244540238. “Appropriate actions will be taken against these recalcitrant drivers,” Wilson stressed.