The government has issued a stern warning to transport operators engaging in rent-seeking behaviour, cautioning that appropriate action will be taken to enforce bylaws and regulations if they do not desist from exploiting passengers amid current economic relief measures.
Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, delivered the admonition during the Government Accountability Series at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, while addressing concerns over commuter congestion at terminals and bus stops in Accra during rush hours, as well as exorbitant fares charged by operators.
Explaining the recent upsurge in passenger numbers, Mr. Ofosu attributed it to post-festive season activities, where commuters flock to business districts and trading spots to procure items. He noted that some vehicles deployed by the Ministry of Transport to alleviate the situation had been withdrawn from service, exacerbating the situation and allowing rent-seeking practices to persist.
He noted that the Transport Minister in response has directed the State Transport Company (STC) to reinstate withdrawn vehicles on the roads immediately.
Additionally, several broken-down Metro Mass Transit buses are undergoing expedited repairs and will resume operations within days, albeit outside their regular routes and schedules, to alleviate the ongoing congestion.
Mr. Ofosu Kwakye further disclosed that a meeting has been scheduled for Thursday with the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other transport operators to confront the issue of rent-seeking and urge those involved to cease such activities, thereby reducing the hardship faced by commuters.
While emphasizing the government’s efforts to expand the Metro Mass Transit fleet, the Minister highlighted that the transport sector remains largely private-sector driven.
“Government can play an increasing role in the transport sector that is largely private sector driven, so these private sector players must play by the rules and avoid unfair exploitation of passengers through the creation of artificial scarcity,” he stated.
He argued that there is no justifiable basis for rent-seeking at this time, pointing to reductions in fuel prices, imported spare parts costs, and significant drops in duty payments for container loads at ports.
“There can be no excuse for wanting to do what they are doing at the moment, and therefore we urge them to desist or action will be taken to enforce the appropriate bylaws and regulations,” he warned.