Editorial: GPRTU Arrest Of ‘Multiple Fares Drivers’ Must Be Expanded To Other Areas

The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has arrested 15 commercial drivers in Ablekuma, Accra, for allegedly charging multiple fares and engaging in the practice known as “short short” operations.

The arrests, carried out by the union’s task force forms part of what GPRTU’s National Guard Commander, Derumond Ekow Gaise, describes as tougher measures to curb driver indiscipline and enforce approved fare structures.

While some drivers have challenged the arrests as unfair and complained about inadequate consultation by the union, the GPRTU maintains that the operation is necessary to restore order, protect commuters and deter further violations. The union has also warned that similar exercises will continue in other parts of the city.

The Chronicle commends the GPRTU for taking concrete action on a problem that has plagued commuters for far too long. The issue of multiple fares, arbitrary charges and forced short-distance trips has become a daily frustration for passengers across Accra.

For many workers, students and traders who rely on public transport, these practices have increased the cost of living and deepened tensions between drivers and commuters. Any serious attempt to bring discipline into the system and protect the public interest deserves recognition.

Importantly, this intervention echoes concerns that have consistently been raised in our previous editorials. We have repeatedly drawn attention to the growing indiscipline in the commercial transport sector, warning that the unchecked abuse of fare structures undermines trust, fuels daily conflicts and erodes confidence in public transport. Seeing the GPRTU respond with action rather than rhetoric is, therefore, a welcome development.

It demonstrates that sustained public discourse and media advocacy can help push institutions toward responsibility.

That said, this initiative must be more than a one-off exercise or a localised show of force. The reality is that multiple fare charging and “short short” operations are widespread across Accra, from Kasoa to Madina, Circle to Tema and countless inner-city routes. If enforcement is uneven, offending drivers will simply avoid monitored areas and continue exploitative practices elsewhere.

For this reason, the GPRTU must ensure that the operation is sustained and extended across the entire city. A citywide approach will not only ensure fairness but also strengthen the deterrent effect. When drivers know that enforcement can happen anywhere and at any time, compliance is more likely. Discipline thrives on consistency, not sporadic crackdowns.

We also note the concerns raised by some drivers regarding lack of communication and consultation. While indiscipline must not be excused, enforcement should be accompanied by clear engagement with union members.

Drivers need to be properly informed about approved fares, route expectations and the consequences of violations. A union is strongest when rules are enforced transparently and members feel they are part of the process, not victims of it.

Crucially, collaboration with the police and the courts, as suggested by Mr Gaise, is essential. When offenders are prosecuted and sanctions are applied, it sends a clear signal that regulations are not mere guidelines but enforceable rules. This will help end the culture of impunity that has allowed these practices to flourish.

Ultimately, commuters want fairness, predictability and dignity in their daily journeys. Drivers, on the other hand, deserve a system that is orderly and clearly regulated. The GPRTU’s action is a positive step in the right direction.

Now, it must be sustained, expanded across Accra and backed by consistent enforcement and communication. Only then can discipline truly return to our roads, to the benefit of both drivers and the commuting public.

 

 

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