Kumasi passengers clash with drivers over GH¢5 fare hike
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Kumasi: Passengers clash with trotro drivers over GH¢5 fare hike to Offinso
Passengers travelling from Kumasi to Offinso have clashed with commercial drivers over an alleged unauthorised GH¢5 increase in transport fares on the route.
The disagreement occurred on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, after some commercial drivers reportedly increased fares for passengers travelling to Offinso.
According to sources, the drivers justified the increase by pointing to rising operating costs, including fuel prices, vehicle maintenance and spare parts, as well as heavy traffic and poor road conditions along parts of the route.
The fare increase, however, was met with resistance from some passengers, resulting in a confrontation between commuters and drivers.
Drivers cite rising operational costs
Some drivers said the increase had become necessary because of the growing cost of operating and maintaining their vehicles.
They pointed to recent increases in fuel prices and the rising cost of spare parts as some of the major factors putting pressure on their businesses.
They also cited heavy traffic and the poor condition of some roads along the Kumasi-Offinso route, arguing that these challenges contribute to higher vehicle maintenance and operating costs.
The drivers therefore believe the previous fares no longer adequately reflect the cost of providing transportation services.
Passengers oppose unauthorised increase
Some passengers strongly opposed the additional GH¢5, arguing that the increase was imposed without the required consultation and approval.
They said the additional cost would place further financial pressure on commuters already struggling with rising living costs.
The passengers called on the relevant authorities to intervene and ensure that any adjustment to transport fares follows the appropriate consultation and approval processes.
They also urged transport operators to engage commuters and authorities before implementing fare increases to prevent similar confrontations.
Calls for better public transport
Some passengers also appealed to the government to provide more state-owned buses as an alternative means of transportation.
They believe an improved public transport system could reduce pressure on commercial vehicles and provide commuters with more affordable transportation options.
The passengers further called for urgent attention to the poor roads along the route, saying improved road infrastructure would help reduce vehicle maintenance costs and potentially ease some of the pressure on transport operators.
The latest disagreement has renewed calls for stronger engagement between commercial transport operators, passengers and authorities to resolve fare disputes and ensure that future adjustments are introduced through the appropriate processes.
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