Mr Isaac Yawson, the District Chief Executive (DCE) for Twifo Atti-Morkwa, has directed commercial drivers operating within the district to desist from charging transport fares that have not been approved by the appropriate authorities.
The directive followed a special enforcement exercise conducted by a joint security team comprising personnel from the Ghana Police Service, Ghana Immigration Service and Ghana National Fire Service.
The operation, which covered transport terminals and roadside loading points in Twifo Praso and nearby communities, revealed that some transport operators had begun implementing a 20 per cent increase in fares without official authorization.
Security officers ordered drivers found charging the unapproved fares to refund the excess amounts collected from passengers.
Speaking after the exercise, Mr Yawson said although transport operators had petitioned for a 20 per cent upward adjustment in fares due to increasing operational costs, discussions on the proposal were still ongoing and no approval had been granted.
He stressed that transport fare adjustments must follow due process and receive the endorsement of the relevant regulatory authorities before implementation.
The DCE cautioned transport operators against taking unilateral decisions and assured commuters that the district assembly would continue to protect them from unjustified charges.
Mr Yawson said regular monitoring and enforcement exercises would be intensified to ensure compliance with approved transport fare structures.
Some drivers, however, justified the fare increases, citing the poor state of roads in parts of the district and the rising cost of vehicle maintenance.
According to them, frequent repairs, escalating spare parts prices and other operational expenses were placing considerable financial strain on transport operators.
They appealed to the authorities to consider their concerns as consultations on the proposed fare adjustment continue.
