La motor court fines six transport operators gh¢1,680 for overcharging passengers

Written by; Regina Bless

The La Motor Court has fined six commercial transport operators a total of GH¢1,680 for charging passengers fares above those approved by the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA).

The six offenders, comprising three drivers and three bus conductors, popularly known as “mates,” were convicted on Thursday, 27th August 2026, after being arrested during an enforcement exercise conducted by the AMA in Accra’s Central Business District (CBD).

The exercise was led by the Assembly’s Director of Operations, Mr. Mohammed Banda, as part of efforts to protect commuters from unlawful fare increases by commercial transport operators.

Following their conviction, Francis Morgah, Foster Osei, Benjamin Ofori Atta, Emmanuel Aduafo and Emmanuel Paa Ekow Amissah were each fined GH¢300, equivalent to 25 penalty units.

Joseph Bonney, meanwhile, was fined GH¢180, equivalent to 15 penalty units.

The convictions were made under Clause 19(f) of the AMA (Operation of Commercial Vehicles) Bye-laws, 2017. The provision prohibits commercial drivers from charging fares above those prescribed and approved by the Assembly in consultation with representatives of major transport operator unions.

The court action follows a recent warning from the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, that the Assembly would intensify its crackdown on commercial transport operators who exploit commuters through arbitrary fare increases, particularly during peak periods.

Reacting to the court’s decision, Mayor Allotey said the convictions should serve as a warning to operators who continue to charge passengers above approved fares.

He added that the AMA’s enforcement activities would be sustained to ensure that commuters are protected from exploitation.

The Mayor also urged passengers to report cases of overcharging to the Assembly through its “See Something, Say Something” WhatsApp line on 0544914628.

Passengers are encouraged to provide pictures of the vehicle and its registration number when making reports, which could assist authorities in taking appropriate enforcement action.

The AMA says it remains committed to ensuring compliance with approved transport fares and protecting passengers from unfair practices within the commercial transport sector.