Traders upset over unapproved fares

Traders and commuters have expressed worry over unapproved fare charges that are being forced on them during the peak hours of 1800 and 1930 hours at the Cocoa House terminal in the central business district of Accra.

They have, therefore, called on the security agencies, particularly the Ghana Police Service, to take swift action to bring such unscrupulous drivers and transport operators under control.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday Mrs. Monica Nyarko, a fish seller, condemned the act saying “it is tantamount to robbery and disrespect of rule of law.”

She said traders and workers usually converged at the terminal at the close of work to board vehicles but drivers took advantage of their large number and desperation to get home early to force unapproved fares on them.

The situation, Madam Korkor Akweley, a plastic container seller, said was creating a lot of inconvenience and put extra burden on their finances considering the impact of fuel increases and utility bills in recent times.

Mr. Kwame Afram, a bank worker, said there was a time a ‘Sprinter lorry’ driver to Lapaz got to circle and returned the passengers to the Cocoa House terminal because they refused to pay unapproved fare of GH? 1.50, but insisted on paying the approved fare of GH?1.30.

He described the situation as “frustrating and disturbing” because passengers, helpless during those hours, are subjected to blatant cheating.

An investigation by the GNA at the terminal confirmed widespread unapproved fare charges to Lapaz, Kwashieman, Amasaman, Sowutuom, Kasoa, Pokuase and Odorkor.

During the hours of 1730 and 1930 drivers to Kwashieman charge GH?1.50 instead of GH?1.30 and the same applies to Lapaz.

While those drivers heading to Pokuase take GH2 instead of GH 1.50, with Kaneshie fare being raised to 1 Ghana cedi from 70 pesewas.