Police Get Tough With Cheating Drivers

The Motor Traffic and Transport Unit has taken nine people to court and fined one for charging exorbitant fares. The policy, which was implemented three weeks ago, is designed to crack down on 'tro tro' drivers who continue to overcharge after the government's recent recommendations.

Supt. Richard Badweh told Chronicle that "drivers who refuse to charge the correct amount will be punished."

These comments from Supt. Badweh came as a reaction to a complaint from a civil servant, Mr. Michael Koffi Ansah, who was unhappy about the continuing overcharging when he stormed Chronicle office yesterday. Mr. Ansah called upon the MTTU to focus more manpower in dealing with the problem.

When asked about how the problem could be dealt with, Supt. Badweh suggested that it was the role of the unions to educate the 'trotro' drivers on what the correct fares should be. It appears, however, that although many drivers are aware of what they are supposed to be charging, they are unhappy with Government's new figures. A good example is Koforidua to Accra, where the fare has risen 100% rather that the 40% recommended by the government.

One of Mr. Ansah's suggestions was that posters should be put up at bus stations all around Ghana, stating the new fares. This would put greater pressure on drivers not to overcharge and also increase public awareness of the new fares. Although Supt. Badweh thought posters were a good idea, he said "it is not our duty to put up posters, the GPRTU are part of that committee. We only enforce whatever is put in the public domain."

Francis Adaboo, a police investigator, talked of how drivers were being caught. One driver was recently taken to court and fined ?100 million fr overcharging customers.

However, the problem is so widespread, that although the police are making a conscious effort to control it, there are simply not enough policemen on the road. As a result of this, Ghanaians continue to lose out every day.