Commuters on the Tema–Katamanso route have raised serious concerns over what they describe as fare manipulation by some commercial drivers through persistent short-distance loading.
The practice, which typically begins from Tema and ends abruptly at points such as Ashaiman Traffic or Lebanon, sees drivers refusing to complete the full trip to Katamanso or Atadeka, despite initially loading for those destinations.
Drivers often turn back immediately after off-loading passengers midway, only to reload for the same destinations. This compels commuters to board two or more vehicles to reach their final destinations, significantly increasing transport costs and travel time.
In interviews with the Ghana News Agency (GNA), some drivers defended the practice, citing poor road conditions and heavy traffic congestion, particularly in the evenings.
Chief Tetteh, a driver on the route, explained that the decision was largely economic.
“If I go straight to Katamanso in this traffic, I can only make one trip. But if I do Tema to Traffic four times, I earn more,” he said, adding that drivers would return to direct loading if the roads were fixed and traffic eased.
Another driver, Mumuni Issah, pointed to the high cost of vehicle maintenance.
“From Atadeka onwards, the potholes are like wells. One direct fare cannot even buy a tyre. When we do short distances, we can at least buy fuel, pay the owner, and survive,” he said.
The practice, however, has imposed severe financial and physical strain on commuters.
Ms Martha Boateng, a regular commuter, described the experience as frustrating and deceptive.
“You ask if they are going to Katamanso, and they say yes, but they drop you at Lebanon and immediately turn back to load again for the same place. They are breaking our pockets,” she lamented.
Mr George Koranteng, a civil servant, said the situation had become so desperate that passengers often accepted inflated fares without complaint.
“You don’t even ask for change anymore. You are just happy to get a seat. Lebanon is now five cedis instead of three-fifty, but you have no option,” he said.
Another commuter, Mr Sam Atta Kwesi, noted that the high demand for vehicles made it difficult to challenge the drivers.
“The cars are few, and the demand is high. You just sit in the car because you want to get home early,” he said.
Residents and commuters are therefore calling on the Ministry of Roads and Highways to urgently rehabilitate the Tema–Katamanso stretch to reduce congestion and curb the exploitative practice.
GNA
Edited by Laudia Anyorkor Nunoo / Lydia Kukua Asamoah
15 January 2026
