A drivers’ union in Ghana is cracking down on unfair practices by some of its members, with one driver having his vehicle impounded for three weeks after being caught overcharging passengers and deviating from designated routes.
The incident, which occurred on a stretch of road serving Lapaz, involved a driver loading passengers bound for Lapaz but instead stopping at Coca-Cola and telling passengers to “run about”, only later announcing Lapaz.
This caused hardship for passengers, including students returning from school vacation who were overcharged and had to trek long distances.
According to a spokesperson for the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, David Agboado such practices are unacceptable and harm the reputation of drivers as a whole. “What we mean by ‘conquer on the road’ is that we drivers have adopted strategies that aren’t helping the situation,” he said.
The union, working with other driver groups including GPRTU, Protoa, True drivers and others, has taken a firm stance against the driver, impounding his vehicle at Police Station for three weeks. The driver won’t be allowed to work during this period, and further punishment awaits if he flouts the rules.
The union emphasizes teamwork among Ghana’s 16 driver unions to curb such practices and promote professionalism. “We shouldn’t use human faith but rather the law,” the spokesperson said, adding that using the law will help improve Ghana’s transport sector.
According, Mr Agboado, the action is seen as a deterrent to others, with the union stressing that such practices won’t be tolerated.
Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region
