KMA Threatens Permit Revocation Over Illegal Fares

The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) has warned transport unions, station executives and drivers against charging passengers unapproved fares, describing the practice as illegal and unacceptable. In a statement issued on Monday, August 17, 2026, the Assembly said it had taken notice of the recent increase in the charging of what it described as illegal transport fares within the Kumasi Metropolis.

The KMA has consequently directed transport unions, particularly station executives and drivers, to immediately desist from charging fares that have not been approved by the relevant authorities. The Assembly said an enforcement taskforce would soon visit various transport unions and stations to ensure that operators comply with the directive and operate within the law.

The warning places particular responsibility on transport executives to ensure that station officers and drivers under their supervision do not impose unauthorized fares on passengers. The KMA further cautioned that transport operating permits issued by the Assembly could be revoked immediately if operators are found charging unapproved fares.

The Assembly said the directive applies to transport executives at both the regional and branch levels, urging them to take steps to prevent their station officials and drivers from engaging in the practice. The move comes amid concerns over the impact of unapproved fare increases on commuters, particularly in a major commercial centre such as Kumasi, where thousands of residents depend daily on public transport.

The KMA did not specify in the statement the exact fares it considers approved or the extent of the alleged increases. However, its planned enforcement exercise signals a tougher approach towards transport operators who depart from officially sanctioned fares. The Assembly urged transport unions and their members to comply with the directive to avoid sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of their operating permits.

The KMA said further information on the directive could be obtained from Randy Wilson, Head of the Transport Department, through the contact provided in the statement. The directive issued by the Public Relations Unit of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and circulated to media houses, seeks to sanitize the transport system in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and prevent unsuspecting commuters from paying more than approved transport fares, if executed successfully.

By: Joyce Owusu