'Drivers are creating artificial scarcity to drive up profits' – Kwakye Ofosu

Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has blamed the recent transportation difficulties in Accra on illegal conduct by some private transport operators.

He stated that their actions are worsening the hardship faced by commuters.

According to him, certain drivers deliberately manipulate the transport system, especially during peak hours, by creating artificial shortages in order to charge higher fares.

Addressing the Government Accountability Series on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Kwakye Ofosu admitted that commuting within Accra had become increasingly difficult.

He, however, stressed that government would take decisive action against operators engaged in unlawful practices.

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He explained that the transport sector is largely driven by private operators, organised under unions such as the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other bodies that regulate public transport operations.

The Minister noted that after a series of fuel price reductions led to a 15 per cent cut in transport fares, some drivers resorted to unfair practices to compensate for the reduced earnings.

“After the persistent reduction in fuel prices, there are some operators who have decided to engage in undue practices by creating artificial shortages,” he said.

Kwakye Ofosu pointed to cases where drivers deliberately avoid approved terminals, including those around the Kwame Nkrumah Circle, and instead cruise through streets to pick up passengers willing to pay higher fares.

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“They do not go to the stations. They roam around, and by creating shortages, they force passengers to pay more than they ordinarily should. This is purely to drive up profit,” he stated.

He described the conduct as illegal and assured the public that government was working to clamp down on such behaviour to protect commuters.

“It is an unlawful activity, and government is taking steps to ensure that those who engage in it are dealt with,” he said.

Public transport in the capital has deteriorated in recent weeks, with commuters enduring long waiting times and paying inflated fares, particularly during the morning and evening rush hours.

The situation, which escalated during the 2025 December festivities, continues to affect passengers in areas such as Madina, Amasaman and Kasoa, despite repeated assurances from the Minister of Transport that steps are being taken to resolve the challenges.

MRA/EB

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