Accra Metropolitan Assembly Mandates Commercial Licenses as GPRTU Cracks Down on Unauthorized Fare Hikes

The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has issued a directive requiring all commercial vehicle drivers with yellow registration plates to obtain official commercial driver's licenses, in accordance with the assembly's 2017 by-laws. Gilbert Nii Ankrah, the Head of Public Affairs at the AMA, emphasized that these licenses are distinct from standard vehicle stickers and are critical for regulatory compliance. New applicants are required to pay GH₵60, while renewals are set at GH₵23. AMA enforcement officers have been tasked with conducting inspections to ensure adherence, aiming to improve the transparency and safety of the city's transport network for both operators and the public. In a related effort to regulate the transport sector, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has warned its members against charging fares beyond the officially approved 8% increment. Samuel Amoah, the GPRTU Deputy Public Relations Officer, stated that any drivers found overcharging passengers would face internal sanctions. This move follows reports of some drivers implementing unauthorized hikes, prompting the union to investigate complaints and ensure that drivers remain within the established guidelines to protect commuters from financial exploitation. Beyond transport regulation, the Greater Accra Region has seen significant activity in public safety and legal sectors. The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully intervened in two major fire incidents, including a blaze at DaySpring School where firefighters rescued 17 children, including one with special needs, without any injuries reported. Meanwhile, the legal landscape is marked by a GH₵10 million defamation lawsuit filed by lawyers for Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), against a Facebook user for false claims. Additionally, the Architectural Society of Ghana (ASG) is currently in a legal tussle with the Architects Registration Council over professional status and communication transparency, highlighting ongoing institutional shifts in the capital.