Clash Over Fares: GPRTU Task Force Arrests 15 Drivers in Ablekuma Crackdown

Tensions over rising transportation costs in the capital escalated on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, when a task force from the :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} (GPRTU) arrested 15 commercial drivers in the Ablekuma enclave of Accra.

The drivers are accused of unilaterally increasing fares and short-turning commuters in an attempt to maximise profits, particularly during peak travel hours.

Complaints Over Rising Fares

The crackdown follows weeks of growing frustration among commuters, many of whom allege that some drivers have been charging up to double the approved fares, especially during the evening rush hour. Acting on these complaints, the GPRTU task force intercepted 15 vehicles and handed the drivers over to the local police, stating that the action was taken to protect passengers from exploitation.

Residents in Ablekuma and surrounding communities, including Agape and Fanmilk, say the situation had become increasingly unbearable, with transport costs rising unpredictably.

Legal Questions Raised

However, the arrests have sparked a broader legal and social debate in Accra. Prominent lawyer :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} and other civil rights advocates have questioned the authority of a private transport union to carry out arrests.

Critics argue that while fare manipulation is a legitimate concern, belonging—or not belonging—to a specific union is not a criminal offence under Ghanaian law, raising concerns that the task force’s actions may constitute administrative overreach.

GPRTU Defends Its Actions

The GPRTU has defended the crackdown, insisting that the arrests were necessary to maintain discipline within the transport sector and prevent drivers from exploiting commuters during what it describes as an ongoing transport crisis.

According to the union, internal enforcement mechanisms are essential to ensure compliance with approved fares and operational guidelines.

Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Public opinion remains divided. While many commuters have welcomed the arrests as overdue relief from excessive fares, others see the incident as evidence of a growing rift between transport unions, vehicle owners, and drivers.

As of this weekend, the 15 drivers remain under investigation, and the debate over the legality and limits of union-led enforcement actions continues to dominate discussions on Accra’s morning radio and television programmes.

Authorities have yet to issue a definitive legal clarification on the role of transport unions in policing fare compliance.