AMA Arrests Six Trotro Drivers Over Unapproved Fares
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AMA Arrests Six Trotro Drivers and Mates Over Unapproved Fares
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has arrested six commercial transport operators in the Central Business District (CBD) for allegedly overcharging passengers on routes to Awoshie, Kasoa, and Madina.
The six, three drivers and three bus conductors, commonly known as “mates” were picked up on the evening of Tuesday, August 25, 2026, sometime between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. The arrests came during an enforcement exercise by the Assembly, following a public warning from Accra’s Mayor, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, against arbitrary fare hikes by commercial transport operators.
The arrests were carried out under clause 19 (f) and (d) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) By-laws, 2017. In plain terms, the law bars drivers from charging more than the fares approved by the Assembly in consultation with transport unions. It also prohibits the practice of making passengers alight mid-journey and re-board, just so a separate fare can be charged for each stretch of the trip.
The drivers arrested were Joseph Bonney, Francis Morgah, and Foster Osei. The conductors were Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo, and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah.
The operation caught several vehicles in the act. A Mercedes Benz Sprinter bus, registration number GW 2748-26, running the CBD-to-Awoshie route, was allegedly charging GH¢15 instead of the approved GH¢7.50 exactly double the official rate.
A Toyota Hiace heading to Kasoa, registration number GR 6294-17, was also intercepted. Its driver and mate were arrested for allegedly charging GH¢15 instead of the approved GH¢10.
A third vehicle, a Toyota Hiace on the Madina route with registration number GT 5988-18, was stopped as well. Its two operators were arrested for allegedly charging GH¢10 instead of the approved GH¢8.
All six suspects were handed over to police and were expected to appear before the La Motor Court on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, for the appropriate legal action.
Speaking to the media ahead of the exercise, the Mayor said the Assembly’s task force would continue visiting transport terminals and loading points across the city to step up enforcement. He expressed hope that combining active enforcement with sustained public education and media coverage would eventually discourage drivers from continuing the practice.
He also had a direct appeal for passengers: insist on paying the approved fares, and report any driver or conductor who tries to charge above the official rate. For the Mayor, cracking down on the practice ultimately depends on the public’s willingness to speak up
