A feud between passengers and commercial vehicle operators, specifically Sprinter bus operators, over adherence to new directives from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) to reduce passenger capacity from 23 to 19 has been settled amicably.
The DVLA and the Motor Transport and Traffic Directorate (MTTD) of the Ghana Police have directed, with immediate effect, that Sprinter buses reduce their passenger loading capacity from 23 to 19.
In reaction to the new transport directives, commercial drivers operating on the Barekese to Kumasi (Kejetia) route chose to increase transport fares, resulting in intense misunderstandings between them and passengers.
Thanks to the intervention of the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Chief Executive, Hon. Mba Zechariah Alenbilla, the commercial drivers who were charging unacceptable transport fares have agreed to comply with new directives while charging approved fares.
Acting on several complaints received, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, the DCE engaged drivers and transport unions at Barekese to bring finality to the feud.
In his interaction with transport unions and operators, the DCE emphasized the vital role transport stakeholders play in economic and national development.
He added that the government is committed to working in close collaboration with stakeholders in the transport industry and would never introduce policies intended to erode their trust.
“Government policies are meant to bring relief and development to ordinary Ghanaians, especially during times of economic hardship. Commercial drivers are an essential part of the national development process,” Hon. Zechariah said.
He advised commercial transport operators to engage the Assembly in dialogue when seeking fairness and equality in their business operations.
He further advised that, as good citizens, they are obliged to work within the framework of the law.
He urged transport union leaders to take charge of sensitizing their members on the importance of compliance with government directives and to monitor their operations to ensure full compliance.
BY Thomas Awuah Asem
Kumasi
