The Assembly Member for the Aborlove Nolopi Electoral Area, Simon Yaw Awadzi, has written to the Minister of Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, appealing to him to address the issue of abnormal transport fares being charged by some commercial drivers.
The Executive Chairman of the Coalition for Integrity in Governance-Ghana (COFIIG-GHANA) noted that during the evening rush hours, a journey from the Adabraka-COCOBOD area to Kasoa, which ordinarily costs about GH¢10, suddenly increases to between GH¢20 and GH¢40, representing an increase of between 100% and 300%.
Unfortunately, he said, these excessive fares are collected openly and, in many instances, in the presence of police officers, without any intervention.
“Honourable Minister, it is important to emphasise that this problem is not limited to the Adabraka-COCOBOD corridor. Similar abnormal fare increases occur at almost every major passenger pick-up point across Accra and its surrounding communities during the morning and evening peak hours.
“In many instances, commuters are compelled to pay fare increases that, in my observation, exceed 60 per cent above the approved fares, and in some cases, such as on the Adabraka-COCOBOD to Kasoa route, the increases range between 100% and 300% above the normal fare.
“This widespread practice has unfortunately become almost normal, placing an unfair financial burden on hardworking Ghanaians who have no option but to get to work or return home after a long day’s work,” portions of his open letter to the minister said.
Below is his full letter…
OPEN LETTER TO THE HONOURABLE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT
25 June 2026
Dear Honourable Minister,
Permit me to first extend my sincere appreciation to you and your Deputy Minister for the commendable work you are doing in Ghana’s transport sector. Your commitment to improving public transportation is appreciated by many Ghanaians.
I also wish to commend the Government for adding more Metro Mass Transit buses to the existing fleet. While this intervention is commendable and a step in the right direction, it has only marginally eased the transportation challenges faced daily by thousands of commuters. Much more remains to be done to meet the growing demand for safe, reliable and affordable public transport. These challenges affect not only office workers but also traders, artisans, students and virtually everyone who depends on commercial passenger transport.
I write this open letter to respectfully bring to your attention two pressing issues that continue to affect millions of Ghanaians who rely on public transport every day.
My first concern relates to the abnormal transport fares charged by some commercial drivers, particularly during peak hours. For instance, during the evening rush hours, a journey from the Adabraka-COCOBOD area to Kasoa, which ordinarily costs about GH¢10, suddenly increases to between GH¢20 and GH¢40, representing an increase of between 100% and 300%. Unfortunately, these excessive fares are collected openly and, in many instances, in the presence of police officers without any intervention.
Honourable Minister, it is important to emphasise that this problem is not limited to the Adabraka-COCOBOD corridor. Similar abnormal fare increases occur at almost every major passenger pick-up point across Accra and its surrounding communities during the morning and evening peak hours. In many instances, commuters are compelled to pay fare increases that, in my observation, exceed 60 per cent above the approved fares, and in some cases, such as the Adabraka-COCOBOD to Kasoa route, the increases range between 100% and 300% above the normal fare. This widespread practice has unfortunately become almost normal, placing an unfair financial burden on hardworking Ghanaians who have no option but to get to work or return home after a long day’s work.
The arguments, insults and occasional near-confrontations between passengers and drivers over transport fares have become an unfortunate feature of our roads. Sometimes, the atmosphere becomes so unpleasant that many commuters, myself included, become reluctant to board commercial vehicles during peak hours.
Honourable Minister, while we appreciate the demands of your office and your busy schedule, I respectfully believe there must be greater consistency in enforcing discipline within the transport sector. One of the most significant achievements of the Government has been the reduction in fuel prices. Naturally, commuters expected this positive development to be reflected in transport fares. Unfortunately, this has not been the case. Instead, many commercial drivers continue to charge fares that are far above what commuters consider fair and reasonable, especially during peak periods.
This unfortunate situation is gradually creating public disaffection and risks overshadowing the Government’s efforts to reduce fuel prices and stabilise the economy. The positive impact of these achievements should be reflected in transport fares so that ordinary Ghanaians can experience the benefits directly. When the benefits of Government policies are not felt in the daily lives of citizens, public confidence can be diminished.
I respectfully appeal to your Ministry, working together with the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), other transport unions and all relevant stakeholders, to intensify the enforcement of approved transport fares. Drivers who deliberately exploit passengers should be sanctioned in accordance with the law. There must be stringent and sustained enforcement at all major passenger pick-up points to bring these abnormal fare increments to an end. Restoring discipline, fairness and compliance with approved transport fares will not only provide relief to commuters but will also reinforce public confidence in the Government’s efforts to improve the transport sector.
My second concern relates to the need to revive and significantly expand the Aayalolo Bus Rapid Transit system. I respectfully appeal to Government to consider introducing more Aayalolo buses on the Kasoa–Accra, Adenta–Accra, Nsawam–Accra and Tema–Accra corridors, with particular emphasis on the Kasoa, Adenta and Nsawam routes, which carry thousands of workers into Accra every day.
The Aayalolo buses have proven to be strong, durable and capable of carrying significantly more passengers than ordinary commercial buses. Expanding this service will reduce pressure on commercial transport, ease congestion, improve passenger comfort and provide a more efficient, reliable and dignified means of transportation for the commuting public.
Honourable Minister, there are many other concerns affecting the transport sector, but I have deliberately limited this letter to these two pressing issues because I believe addressing them will bring immediate relief to millions of hardworking commuters across the country.
I also hope this open letter serves as a means of bringing these concerns not only to your attention but also to the attention of all agencies and stakeholders under your Ministry. I firmly believe that if these matters receive the urgent attention they deserve, they will resolve many of the daily challenges faced by commuters.
The President has played his part by implementing policies that have contributed to reducing fuel prices and stabilising the economy. I respectfully believe that the Ministry of Transport and all its stakeholders must now play their part by ensuring that these gains are reflected in transport fares and by enforcing discipline within the public transport system. When this happens, the Government will naturally earn even greater appreciation and praise from citizens who experience these positive changes in their everyday lives.
Honourable Minister, leadership is measured not only by the policies introduced but by how those policies improve the everyday lives of ordinary citizens. I have every confidence that under your leadership, the Ministry of Transport will take the necessary steps to ensure that the gains made by Government are translated into real relief for commuters. If this is achieved, millions of Ghanaians will have every reason to commend not only the Government’s vision but also the Ministry’s commitment to delivering results.
Thank you for your attention. I remain hopeful that this humble appeal will receive your favourable consideration for the benefit of all commuters and the continued progress of our nation.
Yours faithfully,
Hon. Simon Yaw Awadzi
Assembly Member, Aborlove Nolopi Electoral Area
Executive Chairman, Coalition for Integrity in Governance-Ghana (COFIIG-GHANA)
