Santasi commercial drivers park vehicles to protest arrests over GH¢1 fare increase

Commercial drivers on the Santasi-Tech and Santasi-Ejisu routes in Kumasi have gone on strike, parking their vehicles in protest against arrests made for charging a GH¢1 fare increase. The drivers argue the hike is needed to cover rising fuel costs and operational expenses. They vow not to resume operations until authorities engage them to discuss the fare adjustment and cease the arrests.

This move has left many passengers stranded at the Santasi station. The drivers note that while the government proposed a 30 percent increase in transport fares, the adjustment has not been put into effect, leading them to add GH¢1 to the existing fare to offset costs. However, they claim drivers charging the extra fare are being arrested and fined.

One driver expressed frustration over the low income after expenses, questioning the fairness of such treatment. The drivers emphasized that despite the challenges, they will continue to park their vehicles until their concerns over fare adjustments are addressed.