The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) taskforce has arrested six commercial drivers operating on the Sowutuom, Kwashieman and Odorkor routes in Accra for allegedly splitting journeys into segments and charging passengers multiple fares.
Speaking to Citi News, the National GPRTU Guard Commander, Drumond Ekow Gaisie, said the suspects would be handed over to the police for prosecution.
“We will be taking them to the Odorkor Police Station for prosecution. I entreat drivers involved in such acts to stop, else we will fish them out,” he warned.
Some of the arrested drivers, however, blamed their actions on what they described as high daily sales targets imposed by vehicle owners, the rising cost of spare parts and frequent payments to police officers along their routes.
They appealed for leniency, urging the taskforce and government to consider the economic pressures confronting commercial drivers.
“Our intention is not to cheat. We are pleading with the taskforce and the government to forgive us and help address our concerns, especially with regard to the high cost of spare parts,” one driver said.
Meanwhile, the Odorkor Main Branch Chairman of the GPRTU, Nii Adama II, has called on Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) to issue permits for commercial vehicle operations only after drivers provide proof of membership with a local GPRTU union.
He explained that most drivers caught engaging in the practice of splitting journeys are “floating drivers” who do not belong to any recognised union, making it difficult for the GPRTU to discipline or regulate their activities.
