What was meant to be a routine ride in Accra turned into a heated exchange when passengers aboard a trotro confronted the mate over their change.
The incident has drawn attention to the confusion surrounding the recent 15% fare reduction announced by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).
According to reports, the altercation began when a group of commuters noticed they were not being given the correct change based on the new fare structure.
They questioned the mate, who appeared uncertain about the updated rates. Voices were raised, tempers flared, and what started as a simple complaint nearly escalated into a scuffle.
This incident is one of several minor disputes that have emerged in the wake of the GPRTU’s decision to slash fares by 15% to ease the burden of rising transportation costs.
While the move was widely welcomed by commuters, its implementation has been far from smooth.
Many passengers say they are confused about what the new fares should be on their usual routes.
On the other side, drivers and their mates — often without printed fare charts — are also struggling to adjust. Some say they haven’t received clear guidance from their unions or transport station managers.
“This confusion could have been avoided if the communication had been clearer,” said one frustrated passenger after the incident. “We all want lower fares, but we also want to be treated fairly.”
The GPRTU, in response to mounting concerns, has urged calm and patience. A spokesperson for the union acknowledged the difficulties and said steps were being taken to ensure all drivers and mates are properly informed about the changes.
Transport authorities are also encouraging commuters to report any misconduct or overcharging, while reminding drivers that compliance with the fare reduction is mandatory.
For now, trotro passengers are being advised to carry small change and be cautious while boarding, as misunderstandings are still likely in the early days of the new fare system.
As Ghana’s public transport sector continues to evolve, clearer communication and cooperation between drivers, mates, and passengers will be key to making these reforms work smoothly for everyone.
