The operations task force of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has apprehended 17 commercial vehicle drivers in Amasaman for charging passengers fares that had not been sanctioned by the union.

The arrests form part of a nationwide enforcement exercise aimed at curbing fare violations and protecting commuters from being overcharged.

speaking to the media after the excercise, the National Guard Commander of the GPRTU Taskforce, Dromond Ekow Gaizie, explained that officers were stationed at Sapeiman and Medie to observe driver conduct and transmit updates to the core enforcement team operating within Amasaman.

He disclosed that many of the drivers were operating on informal “short-route” services and collecting fees outside the approved fare schedule.

Following the operation, the suspects were transferred to the Amasaman Police, while their vehicles were impounded and moved to the Amasaman School Park as investigations continue. Some of the drivers have already been arraigned before court.

Also commenting on the exercise, Eric Nii Ashirifi Ayee, Welfare Chairman of the Onuado GPRTU branch in Amasaman, cautioned drivers to strictly adhere to official fare directives, stressing that the union would intensify cooperation with the taskforce to ensure compliance across the transport sector.

He encouraged drivers to work with union leadership and desist from practices that place undue financial pressure on commuters.

A number of the apprehended drivers also advised their colleagues to respect approved fares to avoid facing similar penalties.

The GPRTU has indicated that enforcement activities will be sustained along key transport routes nationwide as part of efforts to restore order and maintain public confidence in commercial transport services.