KMA Impounds 28 Vehicles to Tackle Illegal Transport Activities in Kumasi — Protecting Passengers and Streamlining Mobility
The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) in the Ashanti Region has seized 28 vehicles during an intensified crackdown on road-transport offences inside the Kumasi metropolis. The vehicles were impounded after being found in unlicensed transport stations and operating without destination or assembly stickers, or under transport unions not recognised by the Assembly. Two key offences among them included commercial drivers charging unapproved fares at night and operating outside approved union frameworks.
This enforcement exercise is significant because it affects commuter rights, urban mobility, and law enforcement in Ghana’s second-largest city. By targeting illegal transport operations, the KMA is attempting to:
- Protect passengers from being over-charged or exploited by unauthorised operators.
- Ensure fairness and order in the commercial transport sector, which serves thousands of city residents daily.
- Strengthen regulatory compliance, supporting broader goals of urban planning and sustainable mobility in fast-growing cities.
In the context of Ghana’s urban transport challenges, this action by KMA reinforces the message that local authorities will uphold transport laws — a crucial step towards safer and more reliable public transport.
The Details from the KMA
The operation was carried out by a security task-force from the KMA’s Transport Department. Their mandate included impounding vehicles belonging to drivers or unions who:
- Charged fares beyond the approved rates (especially at night).
- Operated without destination or assembly stickers.
- Belonged to unregistered or illegal transport unions.
Mr Randy Wilson, Head of Transport at the KMA, stated that the Assembly would not relent in enforcing the law. He urged passengers who suspect over-charging to note the vehicle number, travel area, and the fare charged, and send a text or WhatsApp message to 024 454 0238 for follow-up action by the police. The KMA also emphasized that drivers operating outside recognised unions or licensing procedures will face firm sanctions.
Transport in the Kumasi area is heavily dominated by informal modes such as minibuses, locally known as “trotros,” and shared taxis. Data from local transport authorities show that trotros account for more than half of daily commuter trips within the metropolis, with formal bus services handling only a small portion.
Given this high reliance on informal transport, regulatory enforcement remains a challenge. Many operators work independently, without official registration or fare regulation. This environment often leads to inconsistent pricing and poor passenger protection.
In mid-2025, the KMA announced a 15% reduction in approved transport fares across Kumasi. The directive required all commercial drivers to comply, warning that violations would attract penalties. The recent impoundment of 28 vehicles forms part of efforts to ensure compliance with that directive and to sanitise the city’s transport operations.
In recent months, several passengers have complained of excessive fares, especially during evening hours. Some drivers reportedly charged up to GH¢10 for short trips that officially cost around GH¢3. Such over-charging has been particularly common among drivers operating outside recognised unions or at unapproved stations.
The impoundment operation is therefore aimed at deterring these practices, ensuring that passengers pay only the government-approved fares, and restoring confidence in public transport services.
For Ghana, this enforcement drive contributes to public-sector credibility and the protection of consumer rights in transport. It also aligns with national efforts to improve road safety, formalise informal transport systems, and create a level playing field for compliant operators.
Across Africa, many urban centres face similar struggles — balancing the need for accessible transport with the challenge of regulating informal operators. The KMA’s initiative in Kumasi sets an example of how local governments can combine enforcement with public education to make transport systems safer and more efficient.
While the impoundment of 28 vehicles marks a firm step toward a more orderly system, the real test will be sustaining the momentum. Continuous monitoring, engagement with transport unions, and public awareness campaigns will be essential to maintain compliance. If the KMA sustains its enforcement and supports operators to transition into recognised unions, Kumasi could witness a cleaner, safer, and more reliable transport environment.
