Kumasi:The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has intensified its enforcement of approved transport fares to safeguard commuters from arbitrary fare increases.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, the Mayor of Kumasi, led a team from the KMA Transport Department and a security task force to monitor transport operations at key locations such as Abrepo Junction, Racecourse, Ashtown, Kejetia, and Adum.
The enforcement exercise involved stopping commercial vehicles and engaging with passengers to verify if drivers were adhering to the approved fares. In some cases, the Mayor personally supervised the loading of vehicles to ensure compliance and that passengers were transported to their intended destinations without additional charges.
Mr. Boadi warned against the practice of operating short-distance services, known as 'short-short', which forces passengers to pay extra fares to reach their destinations. He emphasized the need for drivers to adhere to transport arrangements and the operational rules of their unions.
During the operation, Mr. Boadi directed the closure of transport unions operating without the necessary permits, instructing them to obtain the required documentation before resuming. He also encouraged the public to report any violations of approved fare charges by drivers and transport unions.
The Mayor assured the public that the Assembly would continue its oversight of transport operations to ensure adherence to approved fares and protect commuters from unfair practices.