The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) Operations Taskforce has arrested 17 commercial drivers in Amasaman for charging passengers fares that are not approved by the union.

The arrests form part of a nationwide campaign to crack down on drivers who violate official fare structures and exploit commuters.

Speaking to Adom News after the exercise, Dromond Ekow Gaizie, National Guard Commander of the GPRTU Taskforce, explained that officers were strategically stationed at Sapeman and Medie to monitor driver activities and relay real-time information to the main team in Amasaman.

“Most of the drivers were operating on what they call ‘short-short’ routes and charging illegal fares,” he said. The arrested drivers were handed over to the Amasaman Police, while their vehicles were impounded at the Amasaman School Park pending further action. Some of the suspects have already been processed for court.

Eric Nii Ashirifi Ayee, Onuado GPRTU Welfare Chairman in Amasaman, urged drivers to adhere strictly to approved fare structures. He emphasized that the union would work closely with the taskforce to enforce discipline in the transport sector.

He also called on drivers to cooperate with union officials and avoid practices that place unnecessary financial burdens on passengers. Some of the arrested drivers reportedly used the opportunity to advise colleagues to comply with official fares to avoid future sanctions.

The GPRTU confirmed that similar operations would continue across major transport corridors to protect commuters and restore confidence in public transport services.