News
Police to prosecute commercial drivers for overcharging passengers
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/image-6.png&description=Police to prosecute commercial drivers for overcharging passengers', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/image-6.png&description=Police to prosecute commercial drivers for overcharging passengers', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
Commercial vehicle operators who charge above approved fares will be prosecuted, the Police have warned.
The Police said drivers who deliberately charged passengers fares above the approved rates gazetted by the Ministry of Transport and other relevant stakeholders risked legal action, particularly where there was evidence of repeated violations.
In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Alexander Kweku Obeng, Director of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), said commercial drivers were required to adhere to the approved fares and should not exploit commuters for personal gain.
He said the prosecution formed part of measures to strengthen compliance with road traffic regulations and protect passengers from unfair practices in the commercial transport sector.
The warning comes amid recurring complaints from commuters about arbitrary fare increases, particularly during periods of fuel price adjustments, vehicle shortages, heavy traffic and increased demand for public transport.
In some instances, passengers have complained of being charged fares different from the officially approved rates or being asked to pay additional amounts after boarding vehicles.
ACP Obeng cautioned commercial drivers against such practices, saying approved fares were not optional and must be respected by operators.
He urged drivers to see compliance not merely as a legal obligation but as part of their responsibility to the travelling public.
“Don’t cheat commuters and passengers. Accept the right, agreed fare as gazetted,” he said.
He said enforcement of road traffic regulations would not only focus on conventional road offences but would also address conduct that affected the rights and safety of commuters.
The MTTD Director urged drivers to desist from exploiting passengers and operate strictly within the fares agreed upon by the relevant authorities.
“Don’t come on the road and do short-short, and then start putting unfair fares on potential passengers,” he cautioned.
ACP Obeng said drivers who repeatedly violated the approved fare regime could be taken to court.
He also urged passengers to familiarise themselves with the approved fares and report suspected cases of overcharging to the appropriate authorities.
He said public cooperation was essential to effective enforcement because passengers were often the first to identify cases where drivers charged fares outside the approved rates.
ACP Obeng said the broader objective was to promote fairness and discipline within the commercial transport sector while protecting commuters from practices that placed an unnecessary financial burden on them.
He said the Police would continue to collaborate with relevant institutions to enforce road traffic regulations and ensure that commercial transport operators operated within the law. –GNA
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
A 22-year-old fisherman who stabbed a man on the left arm, back and head during traditional rites at Teshie in Accra has been sentenced to three months’ imprisonment.
Godwin Tetteh, charged with causing harm, pleaded guilty when he appeared before an Accra Circuit Court.
The court convicted him on his plea and sentenced him accordingly.
Chief Inspector Wisdom Alorwu, who led the prosecution, said the complainant, Christopher Tetteh, was a driver and a resident of Teshie, as was the convict.
He said on June 12, at about 19:00 hours, the complainant went to pray at a mosque and, while returning home, the convict saw him and asked him to stop.
The prosecutor said the convict questioned the complainant about why traditional rites had been performed for his daughter to become a priestess without his consent.
The complainant reportedly responded that if the convict was a good father, he would have known about his daughter’s traditional rites.
This infuriated the convict, who allegedly punched the complainant twice in the mouth.
The prosecution said the convict then pulled out a pair of scissors and stabbed the complainant in the left arm, back and head, causing injuries.
It said when the convict attempted to flee, the complainant smashed him in the mouth, after which he took to his heels.
The complainant subsequently went to the Police station to report and, while there, the convict was brought to the station in connection with another offence, where the complainant identified him.
A Police medical form was issued to the complainant to seek treatment at the hospital.
The prosecution said the convict admitted the offence in his caution statement. –GNA
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
The Gospel Way Theological Bible Institute on Saturday ordained 18 ministers with a charge to uphold the teachings of Jesus Christ and serve humanity with humility and integrity.
The occasion was attended by the clergy, church leaders, family members, friends and congregants.
Mrs Dorothy Nimako, a staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC) was among the new pastors ordained.
Delivering the sermon, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Essandor, founder and leader of the Institute urged Christians to stop criticising pastors and rather support, encourage and pray for them as they carry out their spiritual responsibilities.
He said spreading unverified allegations about pastors was unfortunate, saying such actions create division in the church and weaken the faith of believers.
“Pastors are like every other human being; they are not perfect and can make mistakes, but criticism should not be used to destroy their reputation or undermine their ministry,” he explained.
He urged Christians to learn to correct issues with love and humility, stressing that pastors needed prayers and encouragement to effectively lead their congregations.
Bishop Essandor also urged the newly ordained ministers to become responsible shepherds who would inspire growth, promote peace and contribute to the moral development of the society.
Gospel Way Theological Bible Institute is a non- governmental organisation that trains individuals into Pastoral ministry.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
