The Universal Friendship Organisation (UFO) has given the government a one-month ultimatum to address what it describes as persistent exploitation of commuters by some commercial transport operators, warning that it will organise a nationwide demonstration if no action is taken.

In a press statement issued on Wednesday, July 9, the organisation accused some drivers and transport unions of refusing to reduce transport fares despite recent declines in fuel prices and the cost of some goods and services.

According to UFO, commuters have endured hardship for more than two years due to what it described as unfair transport practices.

The organisation identified several challenges affecting passengers across the country. It alleged that some tro tro drivers deliberately operate only short-distance routes during the morning rush hour, leaving many commuters stranded and causing schoolchildren, workers and traders to arrive late at their destinations.

It also claimed that some operators arbitrarily increase fares during the evening, charging rates above those approved by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), despite lower fuel prices.

UFO further cited congestion at transport terminals, saying poor coordination of vehicles leaves passengers stranded for long periods. It added that the situation has contributed to frequent confrontations between drivers, conductors and passengers.

To address the situation, the organisation called on the government to establish a special taskforce to arrest and prosecute drivers who violate transport regulations and exploit commuters.

It also urged the relevant authorities to direct transport operators and unions to comply with approved fares and loading procedures, particularly following reductions in fuel prices.

In addition, UFO called for the deployment of police officers to bus stops and transport terminals during peak periods to monitor driver conduct and enforce transport regulations.

The organisation appealed to several state institutions and stakeholder groups to intervene, including the Ministry of Transport, the GPRTU, Parliament's Select Committee on Transport, the Office of the President, the Ministry of the Interior, the Inspector General of Police, the Trades Union Congress, the National Peace Council, the Christian Council of Ghana, the Office of the National Chief Imam, the Ministry of Education and civil society organisations.

In the statement, UFO said it was giving the government and the named stakeholders one month to enforce compliance, penalise operators who breach transport regulations and protect commuters.

It warned that if no decisive action is taken within the period, it will exercise what it described as its democratic right to stage a nationwide demonstration.

The statement was signed by the leadership of the Universal Friendship Organisation.