Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has issued a strong warning to transport operators against exploiting passengers through excessive fares, long queues, and poor safety practices, stressing that fairness and accountability must guide public transport operations across the country.
Speaking during an engagement with the Ministry of Transport and representatives of private transport unions on January 16, 2026, the Vice President said commuters must not feel taken advantage of under any circumstances.
“We want to ensure that no passenger feels exploited, whether through fares or queues or even lapses in safety protocols. We need to promote fairness, transparency, accountability in everything that we do, regardless the sector,” she stated.
Call for Responsible Leadership
Addressing leaders of transport unions, Prof Opoku-Agyemang urged them to closely monitor their members and ensure that passengers are treated with respect, warning that poor conduct could heighten public frustration.
“I encourage that we also communicate clearly, fairly, respectfully with our passengers or the people who patronise our businesses. I want you as leaders to monitor your membership in order to prevent unnecessary negative comments and outcomes,” she said.
Government Commitment to Welfare
The Vice President assured both operators and commuters of the government’s commitment to improving the welfare of passengers and drivers, noting that transport reforms remain a key part of the national development agenda.
“I want to pledge that the government continues to provide the necessary support to improve the welfare of passengers and of drivers. You know we have the big push,” she added.
Poor Roads a Major Challenge
Prof Opoku-Agyemang highlighted poor road infrastructure as a major constraint affecting transport services, stressing that road conditions have far-reaching consequences beyond transportation.
“Fixing the roads is very important for us and at that time, it’s not just for the drivers or the passengers, but for all of us. It has implications for every sector,” she said.
She illustrated how bad roads can even deny people access to emergency services.
“If I’m sick and I’m going to the hospital and the driver tells me that where I live has a bad road and so he’s not coming to support me, you can all know the implications,” she noted.
Plans to Modernise Transport
The Vice President said the government is taking steps to modernise and expand public transport services, with the aim of improving access, affordability, and safety for commuters.
“We want to modernize and expand our transport services to promote and improve access, to ensure affordability and security for the motoring public,” she said, adding that reforms will involve both state-owned and private sector operators.
Her remarks come amid growing public concern over transport challenges, particularly during peak hours, as authorities work toward building a more efficient and passenger-friendly transport system.
