Commuters travelling along the Cape Coast–Twifo Praso route were left stranded on Monday morning after trotro drivers staged a demonstration at Ankaful Junction, demanding a fare increase.
The drivers, who ply the Cape Coast–Twifo Praso route, say they are being mistreated compared to their counterparts operating between Cape Coast and Takoradi. According to them, the distance between Cape Coast and Twifo Praso is almost identical to that of Cape Coast to Takoradi, yet fares on the Takoradi route are significantly higher.
“We can’t continue like this,” said one of the drivers who spoke to Coastal TV News. “The cost of fuel, maintenance, and spare parts has all gone up, but our fares have remained the same. It doesn’t make sense that Takoradi drivers are charging more for the same distance.”
As part of the protest, the drivers stationed themselves at Ankaful Junction, blocking vehicles coming from the Twifo Praso direction. Passengers were forced to alight and either continue the journey on foot or find alternative transport, mostly taxis, to complete their trip to Cape Coast.
Some passengers expressed frustration over the situation but also sympathized with the drivers. “It’s an inconvenience, yes,” one commuter said, “but I understand where they’re coming from. Prices everywhere have gone up — even water is more expensive. They have families, too.”
The protest caused significant disruption along the route, with long queues forming and some commercial vehicles avoiding the area entirely. As of the time of reporting, there had been no official response from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) or the Ministry of Transport.
The drivers say the demonstration will continue until authorities approve a fare adjustment.
