Trotro Drivers in Ashanti Region, Effiduase exploit Christmas Traffic, charging exorbitant fares

As Christmas approaches, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season intensifies, and so does the unpredictability of public transportation. In the Ashanti Region, particularly in Effiduase, passengers are finding themselves at the mercy of trotro drivers who have seized the opportunity to charge inflated fares, citing the high traffic and increased demand in the lead-up to Christmas.

Traditionally, the fare for a trip from Effiduase to Kumasi is set at GH₵13, a standard price that commuters have come to rely on. However, with the festive season creating a surge in passengers traveling to and from Kumasi for various holiday-related activities, trotro drivers have been seen capitalizing on the increased demand by charging fares as high as GH₵20—an exorbitant 53.8% increase over the regular price.

While some passengers have voiced their frustration, others have little choice but to pay the inflated fare in order to reach their destinations. Traffic in the region has worsened during the Christmas period, as many families travel to Kumasi to visit loved ones or shop for the holiday. The rush to get to the city has made many travelers more vulnerable to unfair fare hikes, as they seek to avoid the congestion caused by the increased number of vehicles on the road.

For residents of Effiduase, a town situated about 37 kilometers from Kumasi, the price hike has caused a ripple effect, especially among lower-income families who rely on public transport to travel to the city. As the cost of living continues to rise in Ghana, adding an extra GH₵7 to a regular fare can be a financial strain for many passengers, particularly those traveling multiple times during the festive period.

This rise in fare prices has sparked calls for tighter regulation from local authorities. Passengers have urged the government and the Drivers’ Union to implement price controls to prevent such arbitrary hikes during peak seasons. However, many passengers are unsure if any action will be taken, as similar issues have plagued the trotro system for years.