Last Updated on August 1, 2026 by Admin
Obuasi, Aug. 1 – The timely intervention of the Obuasi Municipal Chief Executive (MCE), Hon. Faustilove Appiah Kannin, has led to the immediate reversal of unapproved transport fare increases on the Anyinam taxi route and among Pragya (commercial tricycle) operators within the municipality.
The development follows public complaints over a unilateral increase in taxi fares from GH¢3.50 to GH¢5.00 on the Anyinam stretch, a move that sparked confusion and disagreements between passengers and drivers at various loading points.
The fare increment, which was implemented on Monday, July 27, was done without consultation with the Obuasi Municipal Assembly or the Municipal
Transport Office, prompting calls from residents for urgent intervention.
Responding to the concerns, the MCE directed the Municipal Transport Office to engage transport unions and resolve the matter through dialogue.
Consequently, the Municipal Transport Officer, Mr. Scout Nkrumah, convened a stakeholders’ meeting on Thursday, July 30, involving representatives of the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, the Municipal Urban Guards, the Information Services Department (ISD), executives of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), and drivers operating on the Anyinam route.
At the meeting, held at the Obuasi Municipal Assembly Conference Room, the Obuasi Taxi Chairman of the GPRTU, Mr. Anyinsu, and the Chairman of the Anyinam Branch, Mr. Kwame Gyebi, apologised unreservedly to the Municipal Assembly and the MCE for implementing the fare increase without prior consultation or approval.
The union acknowledged that the action was inappropriate and announced the immediate restoration of the previous fare of GH¢3.50.
Addressing the meeting, Mr. Scout Nkrumah reminded drivers that transport fare adjustments must follow established procedures and be undertaken in consultation with the appropriate regulatory authorities.
He noted that although the union had submitted proposals for a possible fare review, discussions were still ongoing, making the unilateral increment premature.
Mr. Nkrumah urged the drivers to exercise restraint and allow due process to be completed, assuring them that the Assembly remains committed to constructive engagement on issues affecting both transport operators and commuters.
The Obuasi MTTD Commander, Chief Superintendent Aboagye, also cautioned commercial drivers to comply strictly with the Road Traffic Regulations.
He reminded operators that using private vehicles for commercial passenger transport without the required authorisation constitutes an offence under Ghana’s traffic laws. He further warned against operating vehicles without registration number plates, stressing that such violations would attract sanctions.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Anyinam Unit Committee, including its Treasurer, Mr. Charles Mbeah, who welcomed the swift intervention by the Assembly.
Pragya Operators Follow Suit
Following the outcome of the engagement, Pragya operators, who had also increased their fares from GH¢2.50 to GH¢3.00 in response to the taxi fare adjustment, announced an immediate reversal.
The operators have restored the previous fare of GH¢2.50, bringing relief to commuters across the municipality.
Residents have commended the Municipal Chief Executive and the Obuasi Municipal Assembly for their prompt response, describing the intervention as a demonstration of responsive local governance and effective stakeholder engagement.
The Assembly has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that any future transport fare adjustments are undertaken through the appropriate consultative processes in the interest of both transport operators and the commuting public.