Kumasi CBD faces imminent transport shortage

Some commercial transport operators have hinted that the Central Business District (CBD) of Kumasi could experience a severe shortage of commercial vehicles in the coming weeks if the government fails to increase transport fares.

The operators say rising operational costs are already forcing drivers to avoid heavy traffic in Kumasi, particularly during the evening rush hour, to pick up passengers.

They noted that the situation is leaving passengers stranded, with many spending long hours waiting for vehicles to take them home after closing from work.

In an interview with OTEC News reporter Kwame Agyenim Boateng on Thursday, some transport operators said many drivers had now resolved to operate on the outskirts of Kumasi to avoid spending excessive amounts of fuel while stuck in traffic.

“Now the fear is that the more the drivers fail to operate in the central business district, the more people get stranded during rush hour,” one operator said.

“The situation also gives room for the few available drivers to charge exorbitant fares, with passengers bearing the brunt,” another operator added.

The drivers are therefore calling on the government, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and other key stakeholders to urgently agree on a percentage increase in transport fares to address the challenge.

They indicated that they would consider returning to the CBD if transport fares were increased to reflect the rising cost of operations.

The operators warned that failure to address the issue could worsen transportation challenges in Kumasi, particularly during peak hours, and further increase the burden on commuters.