The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, has cautioned commercial drivers to desist from charging unapproved fares and to adopt fair cost margins that ease the financial burden on commuters, warning that offenders would face prosecution.

He described arbitrary transport fare increases as unfair, exploitative, and in violation of the Operation of Commercial Vehicles By-laws, 2017 of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) which  states that "commercial drivers must convey passengers to their destination stations without alighting and re-boarding them to charge additional fares, and prohibits drivers from charging more than the Assembly-approved rates agreed upon with transport unions."

The Mayor issued the warning when the Accra Metropolitan Security Council (METSEC) met with transport operators on Friday to address concerns on transport fares, road safety, free vehicular movement, sanitation, and security ahead of the festive period.

He announced that, beginning today, the AMA, in collaboration with the Police, would roll out a special operation to clamp down on drivers who operate outside recognised unions or associations, popularly known as floating drivers, stressing that their activities were among the major causes of fare distortions and disorder on the roads.

He emphasised that this year’s Christmas must be peaceful, accident-free, crime-free, and free from the usual transport-related challenges that inconvenience the public.

He said the Assembly would no longer tolerate drivers who inflate fares without approval, adding that the AMA Sanitation and Motor Court would be on standby throughout the festive period to prosecute offenders.

“We have one Ghana and one Accra. If we don’t fix our problems, no one will fix them for us,” he said, urging transport operators to cooperate with the city authorities and security agencies to ensure a smooth holiday season.

He appealed for open dialogue and honesty from the unions, stressing that a successful Christmas required collaboration between the drivers, the AMA, and the security services.

The Police highlighted that drivers were central to the safe movement of people who travel from rural areas into the city to shop and return home for the holidays, stressing that the police and drivers were partners, not adversaries, and must work together to maintain order.

They noted concerns about unlawful fare increases and pledged intensified enforcement and urged unions to report offenders to the police instead of resorting to confrontations or beatings.

Driver representatives at the meeting insisted that unionised station drivers were not responsible for the illegal fare hikes blaming floating drivers who operate without regulation, pay no Assembly levies, and charge passengers multiple short fares, often resulting in commuters paying far above approved rates.

They appealed to the Mayor to prioritise enforcement against floating drivers, stating that station-based drivers were supervised, traceable, and accountable.

Transport union leaders commended the Mayor for his firm stance, saying effective enforcement of the AMA Operation of Commercial Vehicles By-laws, stopped after  2016 hence the conjunction.

They noted that once enforcement resumed, unregistered operators would be compelled to fall under regulation, restoring order and fairness in fare administration.

The meeting was also used to launch the “Operation Disaster-Free Christmas” initiative,  aimed at ensuring a safe environment before, during, and after Christmas.