Kwaku Ofori Asiamah, Transport Minister
The Ministry of Transport has called on the public to disregard purported increase in public transport fares by commercial road transport operators.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, by the Public Affairs of the Ministry, there have never been any negotiations with the transport operators for a review of transport fares and therefore urged the public to disregard the purported increase
Commercial Transport Operators earlier this week announced a 30% increment in transportation fares throughout the country with effects from Monday January 22, 2024.
GPRTU also in a statement announced that the union would increase transport fares by 20% by January 24, citing the increase of spare parts and the implementation of some new taxes.
Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana in a statement signed by its chairman, William Osei, also hinted of increasing transport fares to reduce the plight of drivers as a result of a substantial rise in the costs of lubricants, spare parts among others.
It stated that the fare increase also aims to address the drivers’ financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the public transportation industry in Ghana.
But the Ministry says the general public would be informed whenever government negotiates increase in transport fares with the operators.
“When it becomes necessary for such negotiations, and the decisions are taken, the general public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past,” the statement from the ministry stated.
“The Ministry will continue to ensure fair and reasonable transport fares in keeping in mind the needs of transport operators and the general public,” it added.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah