A coalition of commercial drivers is calling on the National Executive of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) to intervene and call the Chief Executive Officer of the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), Julius Neequaye Kotey, to order over what they describe as the arbitrary and unjustified implementation of fines.

The drivers are incensed by what they say are attempts by the DVLA boss to introduce fines that have not been officially gazetted or approved by the Minister of Transport.

Speaking on Ghana Yensom, a morning show on Accra 100.5 FM hosted by Otafrigya Kwesi Apea-Apreku on Tuesday, Charles Danso, Chairman of the Committed Drivers Association, and Yaw Barimah, Public Relations Officer of the True Drivers Union, expressed strong disapproval of the CEO’s decision.

According to them, the proposed fines have been sitting dormant at the DVLA for years and were never implemented for a reason.

They accused Mr. Kotey of bypassing proper channels of engagement with transport unions and acting unilaterally.

"The CEO has failed to consult or engage drivers before deciding to impose such burdens.

This is not how leadership works,” said Yaw Barimah.

They further appealed to the leadership of the NDC to take a decisive stance, reminding the party that it is in government because of the people, including commercial drivers.

“The NDC must not sit aloof while one of its appointees imposes unnecessary hardships on drivers,” Charles Danso added.

The group warned that any attempt to force such fines on drivers nationwide would be fiercely resisted.

“It will not be rosy for him if he dares to foist these fines on us,” they cautioned.

They also criticised the rationale behind some of the proposed fines, such as penalties for dirty vehicles.

“Is it the fault of drivers using the Accra–Nsawam road that their vehicles get dirty?

The roads themselves are in terrible condition, yet we still pay for roadworthy certificates,” they said.

The drivers say they are prepared to push back if the DVLA goes ahead with its plans and are urging the government to reconsider the move in order to avoid escalating tensions with transport operators across the country.