Two transport Unions, the True Drivers Union and Concerned Drivers Union, have announced a 10 percent increment in transport fares with effect from today [Monday].
According to the groups, their members can no longer bear the rising cost of fuel and its impact on the transport business hence the decision to pass it on to passengers.
There has been no official comment however from the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union [GPRTU].
In a joint statement released last night, the unions advised the public to co-operate with the latest increase in their fares.
Speaking to Citi News, PRO of the Concerned Drivers, David Agboado said the drivers can no longer cope with the inability of the Transport Ministry to address their concerns.
“When we go to the pump to go and buy the fuel, they don’t consult the Minister before selling the fuel to us and now, we are all running at a loss. If possible, you will know some car owners. You can call them. Now drivers have been running away with their sale because they cannot afford to do the sales these days.”
Transport fares were last increased in April 2017. Fares at the time went up by 15 percent.
There were earlier reports of increases in transport fares in 2018, which were followed by protests by some commercial drivers against what they described as the persistent hikes in the prices of petroleum products.
The demonstration was organised by the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers in collaboration with the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) of the Trades Union Congress.
Road transport operators urged the public to ignore those reports of an increase in transport fares
Role of spare parts
In January, the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union [GPRTU] asked commuters to brace themselves for a possible increase in transport fares, although that has been yet to be realised.
According to the GPRTU, the increment would be necessary following the constant increases in the prices of vehicle spare parts.
This was despite the government, in 2017, scrapping import duties on some selected spare parts following a campaign promise in the 2016 general elections.
citinewsroom