Clamp down on exorbitant lorry fares in Kumasi, They are using short distances to exploit passengers  – Fante Quoo to Ashanti Regional Minister & Mayor

Host of Kessben Drive, Fante Quoo has called on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Amoakohene, and the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) Boss, King Zuba, to urgently address the growing issue of exorbitant lorry fares charged by internal commercial transport operators within the city.

Fante, speaking on his show on Kessben FM, expressed his frustration, stressing how commercial drivers in Kumasi are exploiting commuters by not only overcharging for short distances but also arbitrarily alighting passengers before their intended destinations, a practice he described as unfair and economically burdensome.

“The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Amoakohene, and the Kumasi Mayor, King Zuba, should clamp down on the exorbitant lorry fares being charged by these internal commercial operators. It’s getting out of hand,” the man lamented.

Commuters within the Kumasi metropolis have long complained about inconsistencies in fares, especially on short internal routes such as Kejetia to Ashtown, Bantama to Adum, and Ahodwo to Tech Junction. Despite the relatively short distances, passengers are sometimes charged fares that rival those of longer intercity journeys.

Adding to the frustration is a new trend where passengers are forced to disembark at arbitrary stops, only to be asked to board another vehicle to continue their trip, each leg of the journey requiring a separate fare.

“They are now stopping passengers at random points and asking them to get down just to make more money. They break the journey into two or three parts and charge separate fares. It’s pure exploitation” Fante Quoo fired.

The call to action is not just about fares, but about restoring sanity and fairness in Kumasi’s public transport system. The resident believes that it is time for city authorities to engage the transport unions, investigate fare structures, and enforce strict regulations to protect the interests of ordinary Ghanaians who rely on public transport daily.

He also suggested that the Transport Ministry, GPRTU, and PROTOA should be involved in addressing the issue, as many drivers act independently of the agreed fare regulations.