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Commercial transport services in Amansie Central with Jacobu as it’s Capital and surrounding communities have been paralyzed after taxi and trotro drivers in the Amansie Central District declared an indefinite sit-down strike, citing a standoff over unapproved fare increments and deteriorating road conditions.
The strike has left hundreds of commuters stranded across major routes, raising concerns about economic activity and access to essential services in the district.
Unapproved Fare Hikes Trigger Police Action
According to reports, drivers unilaterally increased fares on key routes without authorization from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the District Assembly.
The new charges include:
– Afoako Junction to Jacobu: from GH¢8.50 to GH¢15
– Jacobu to Kumasi, Kejetia: from GH¢18 to GH¢25
– Jacobu to Bekwai: from GH¢15 to GH¢20
The Ghana Police Service has since arrested some drivers for charging unapproved fares, with authorities indicating that more sanctions will be applied to defaulters who fail to comply with regulated pricing.
“Poor Roads Are Killing Our Vehicles” – Aggrieved Drivers
Some of the aggrieved drivers say the decision to adjust fares was driven by rising operational costs linked to the poor state of roads in Amansie Central.
They argue that frequent breakdowns, tire damage, and suspension repairs have made it financially unsustainable to operate at the approved fare levels.
Johnson Kwakye Francis, Chairman of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union in Jacobu, said drivers are open to dialogue.
“Drivers are willing to return to the old fares if roads in the area are improved,” Mr. Kwakye Francis stated, calling for urgent government intervention to rehabilitate critical routes.
DCE Warns Against Unauthorized Charges
The District Chief Executive for Amansie Central, Hon. Emmanuel Obeng Agyemang, has urged both residents and transport operators to adhere strictly to approved fare directives.
He warned that the Assembly, in collaboration with security agencies, will take action against anyone found charging unauthorized fares.
“Commuters must not be exploited, and operators must also operate within the law,” Hon. Obeng Agyemang said.
The DCE added that the Assembly will also engage Pragya tricycle and Okada motorcycle operators to ensure they do not take advantage of the strike to overcharge passengers.
Impact on Commuters
With most taxis and trotros off the road, passengers in Jacobu have been forced to resort to expensive alternatives or postpone travel. Traders, students, and workers commuting to Kumasi and Bekwai say the impasse is already affecting livelihoods.
Stakeholders are calling on the GPRTU, the District Assembly, and the Ministry of Roads and Highways to urgently mediate the dispute to restore transport services and address the underlying road infrastructure challenges.
