Obuasi Municipal Assembly Issues Final Warning over Lorry Fare Increment

The Obuasi Municipal Assembly has cautioned commercial transport operators against unapproved increases in lorry fares, stating that no fare increase has been approved within the municipality.

In a press release dated August 19, 2026, and signed by the Municipal Chief Executive, Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, the Assembly said it has observed with concern reports that some commercial transport operators have increased passenger fares by as much as 50 per cent on some routes.

“The Assembly wishes to clarify that there has been no approval for any increase in lorry fares within the Obuasi Municipality. All commercial transport operators are therefore required to continue charging the existing approved fares until any officially sanctioned adjustment is communicated by the appropriate authorities,” the statement said.

According to the Assembly, following numerous complaints from commuters, it engaged the various transport unions, including the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Pragya operators, on two separate occasions to address the issue.

During both engagements, the leadership of the transport unions acknowledged the concerns raised, rendered apologies, and pledged to ensure that their members reverted to the approved fares while awaiting the outcome of discussions at the national level.

Despite these assurances, the Assembly said it has continued to receive reports that some drivers and riders are still charging fares above the approved rates.

In response, the MCE directed the Municipal Transport Task Force to intensify monitoring and enforcement operations across the municipality.

The Task Force, comprising personnel from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, Municipal Transport Office, Urban Guard Command and Information Services Department (ISD), subsequently conducted an unannounced monitoring exercise at various transport terminals.

“The exercise confirmed the concerns raised by commuters, with several operators found charging fares above the approved rates. Some offenders were arrested and brought before the appropriate authorities,” the Assembly noted.

Following the enforcement exercise, union leaders again intervened and assured the Assembly that they would impress upon their members to comply, but reports of continued violations have persisted.

The Assembly, therefore, issued a final warning to all commercial transport operators to immediately desist from charging fares above the approved rates.

“Drivers, Pragya riders, station masters and transport union executives are reminded that no individual operator or union has the authority to unilaterally increase passenger fares,” the release stated.

It added that any future adjustment to transport fares must follow the appropriate consultative and approval processes before implementation.

The Assembly further disclosed that the Municipal Transport Task Force will continue to conduct unannounced monitoring and enforcement exercises at transport terminals and along major routes, warning that any driver or rider found charging above approved rates will be dealt with in accordance with applicable laws and regulations, including prosecution before the appropriate court where necessary.

The Assembly urged all transport operators to comply with approved fares and appealed to commuters to report any instances of unlawful fare increases to the appropriate authorities.

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