The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ministry of Transport are set to resume talks today over the Union’s proposed 30% increase in transport fares.
The two were unable to come to a compromise following the Union’s decision to announce a potential 30% increment in transport fares in response to increasing fuel prices, taxes and other factors.
The last meeting between the Ministry and GPRTU ended in a stalemate, with further talks scheduled to be held today as the two seek an amicable solution to the issue.
Meanwhile, GPRTU has debunked claims that the proposed 30% increment in transport fares has been put on hold.
Speaking to Citi News, Deputy Public Relations Officer of GPRTU, Samuel Amoah, said no agreement has been reached with the government, while pointing out that a final decision will be taken after a scheduled meeting with the Ministry today, September 22.
“There has never been any agreement with the government that we are suspending our proposed increment,” he said.
He indicated that the Union’s last meeting with the sector Minister was on last Friday and that meeting ended inconclusively.
“The last meeting we had with the minister was last Friday and that we were still negotiating the 30 percent increase but there wasn’t any conclusion so prior to that we were asked to postpone the meeting to Tuesday, September 22,” Mr. Amoah said.
“There has never been any agreement that says we are not going to increase fares,” reiterated.
He further pointed out that members of GPRTU have been directed not to partake in the sit-down strike by the Progressive Transport Owners Association (PROTOA), which was scheduled for yesterday, over the costs of vehicle maintenance.
The GPRTU early this month announced a proposed 30% adjustment in transport fares.
According to the Union, the adjustment has become necessary to enable commercial transport operators to cope with escalating operating costs, including fuel, vehicle spare parts, lubricants and taxes.
BY Gibril Abdul Razak