The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have said they have not approved of any new transport fares, urging commuters not to comply with such demands from some drivers.
A joint press release from the GPRTU and GRTCC Thursday, April 11, 2024 said the decision to raise fares arose from the government’s failure to address their grievances and have described the supposed increment as illegal if true.
This comes in response to the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, declaring a 30 per cent increase in transport fares effective April 13, 2024.
They also reemphasised in their statement that, fare increments are usually made by an Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares, therefore declaring any increment outside that parameters illegal and should be disregarded.
The two unions, however, revealed that they are in talks with the various stakeholders, including the Transport Ministry, to thoroughly assess the various cost components and arrive at a consensus.
“We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such decision has been taken regarding any fare increment.
“We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators.”
Below is the full statement
PURPORTED INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES
It has come to our attention that some sections of Drivers have arbitrarily increased transport fares in contravention of the Administrative Instrument on the review of public transport fares in the country.
This action is illegal and must be stopped immediately if this is true.
As leadership, we have followed with keen interest, the recent adjustment in the fuel prices and other related operational cost. We are currently engaging stakeholders to give consideration to the various cost components and agree on the way forward.
As has been the practice, the leadership met with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday 10th April, 2024 to present our demands.
Once consensus is reached, the general public will be duly informed. Therefore any increase outside the Administrative Instrument, should be disregarded and treated with contempt. We therefore urge commuters not to pay any fare outside the existing fares.
We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such decision has been taken regarding any fare increment.
We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators.
