The National Security has arrested 16 commercial drivers and impounded several vehicles in Kumasi as authorities intensified efforts to enforce approved lorry fares following recent fuel price reductions.
The arrests were confirmed by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene, who said on Facebook that the drivers were picked up for extorting passengers by charging illegal fares.
The operation forms part of a joint enforcement exercise involving National Security, the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other stakeholders.
Public education
Ashanti Regional Security Liaison Officer Captain (Rtd) Kwame Jabari said the exercise began on 26 January adding that the move was necessitated by the limited number of enforcement officers available to monitor compliance with the new fare structure.
Jabari acknowledged resistance from some drivers and confusion among passengers during the operation but said public education had helped ease tensions.
Advice
He urged drivers to comply with approved fares to allow commuters benefit from the reduction in fuel prices.
National Security has also engaged Metro Mass Transit to deploy buses at strategic locations where transport services are insufficient, Jabari said, to ease pressure on commuters.
Authorities say the enforcement drive will continue until full compliance is achieved.
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