June 20, 2025 – Reports reaching Nzema Today TV News indicate that tricycle drivers, popularly known as Prygea, in the Ellembelle District are overcharging fares, particularly during nighttime hours.
This issue does not affect other transport services such as taxis and trotros, which have traditionally operated on these routes. However, since the introduction of the Prygea transport system largely replacing trotros in some parts of the country concerns over fare hikes have intensified.
A visit to the area confirmed that many Prygea drivers arbitrarily increase their fares starting from 8:00 p.m., frequently without any official justification. Passengers have described the situation as a gross violation of their rights, which has led to several confrontations between commuters and drivers.
Some passengers told Nzema Today TV News, “There is no provision in the Road Traffic Regulation Act of 2004 that permits drivers to charge higher fares at night.”
When questioned, some Prygea drivers failed to provide valid reasons for the increased fares. The most common explanation offered was that passengers should expect to pay more after 8:00 p.m., simply because it is nighttime.
Many commuters argue that since Prygea drivers have taken over from taxis and trotros, they exploit passengers, especially those stranded at night when Prygea vehicles become the only available means of transport.
Passengers are therefore calling on the Ellembelle District Assembly, the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) to regulate the Prygeatransport system in the district.
By Kodwo Nyamekeh
