The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have jointly advised commuters against paying any unapproved new transport fares until officially approved.
This advisory follows the announcement by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana, of a 30% increase in transport fares effective, Saturday, April 13.
In a press release issued jointly, the GPRTU and the GRTCC attributed the decision by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana to increase fares to the government’s failure to adequately address pending grievances.
However, the GPRTU and the GRTCC reiterated that any fare increment outside the parameters set by the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares in the country is considered illegal and should be disregarded by commuters.
Furthermore, both organisations emphasised ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to thoroughly assess the various cost components involved and reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
They aim to ensure that any adjustments to transport fares align with established regulatory frameworks and are in the best interest of both transport operators and commuters.
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.”
Additionally, the GPRTU and the GRTCC stated their commitment to ongoing discussions with the Transport Ministry to facilitate the approval of any necessary fare adjustments.
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.