By King Amoah
The usually bustling lorry terminals at Ehwia and Pankronu in Kumasi turned into a scene of chaotic confrontation on Tuesday, August 11, 2026 as simmering tension between commercial drivers and commuters erupted into a physical brawl.
The sordid spectacle, which drew a large crowd of traders and onlookers saw drivers and their mates trading dirty blows with irate passengers.
The flashpoint of the conflict was a standoff over “change” (balances) following the drivers unilateral decision to increase transportation fares in the wake of the recent government mandated fuel price adjustments.
The Spark of Conflict:
The clash followed a period of mounting frustration within the transport sector.
Following a recent hike in fuel prices, commercial drivers across the Ashanti Region have been eagerly awaiting for an official government announcement regarding new fare rates.
Drivers argue that their current daily sales are insufficient to cover operational costs or maintain their vehicles.
However with no official directive coming from the Ministry of Transport many drivers at the Ehwia Pankronu terminals decided to advise themselves and unilaterally imposed higher fares to keep their businesses afloat.
This maneuver was met with immediate fierce resistance from passengers who refused to pay the unapproved amounts.
Government Has Failed Us:Speaking from the scene of the confusion Richard Morrison a local commercial driver expressed the desperation felt by many in his profession.
Morrison stated that the government’s inability to announce new fares has left us with no choice,, adding that fuel prices have drastically affected our sales. If government refuses to hold consultations and provide a revised price list, we would be forced to survive on our own terms.
This sentiment is being echoed at the various loading points across the Ashanti Region where lack of clear leadership from the transport authorities is creating a volatile environment between service providers and the public.
On the other side of the divide, passengers are standing firm, citing both legal and ethical concerns.
Many commuters argued that regardless of the economic hardships faced by drivers, they have no legal authority to adjust fares without the approval from the Executive.
Some passengers went further to accuse the drivers of making illegal profits alleging that many had begun to implement unauthorized fare hikes even before the recent fuel price adjustments were announced.
They use short cut tactics to amass wealth at the expense of the poor passenger, one commuter remarked at the scuffle scene.
A Call for Urgent Action:As the situation escalated, police and onlookers intervened, eventually forcing the drivers to return the disputed balances to the passengers.
The drivers have issued a stern warning to their Union leadership to pressurize the Ministry of Transport, led by Minister Hon. Joseph Bukari, to provide immediate clarification on the new fare structures or face a total and indefinite strike action.
As of Wednesday morning, commuters in the Ashanti Region are bracing for potential disruptions as the battle between the rising transport costs and stagnant passenger budgets continues to reach a breaking point.
Transport Minister image attached
