The Ministry of Transport has backed calls by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) for the public to disregard any purported increase in fares.
It has therefore urged the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who charges illegal fares.
The ministry, in a statement, indicated that negotiations were still ongoing with the transport operators to make a determination.
“The Ministry wishes to inform the general public that negotiations are still ongoing with the transport operators. The Ministry is by this statement urging the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who goes contrary to the directive issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC,” it stressed.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana and the Transport Operators of Ghana issued a joint statement announcing a 30% rise in transportation fares, starting Saturday, April 13, 2024.
According to the two transport unions, the action was motivated by the recent increase in petroleum prices.
However, the GPRTU and the GRTCC issued a joint statement last Thursday, describing the alleged fare hike as illegal.
Godfred Abulbire, the GPRTU’s General Secretary, and Emmanuel Ohene Yeboah, the GRTCC’s General Secretary, asked passengers to reject the alleged increase in transport fares.
“We are currently in discussions with stakeholders to consider various cost factors and reach an agreement on the way forward. As per usual practice, our leadership met with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to present our demands. Once consensus is reached, the public will be duly informed,” the statement indicated.
By Ernest Kofi Adu