The Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies, instructing them to apprehend any commercial driver found charging fares higher than the established rates, thereby placing undue financial strain on commuters.
In a statement issued by its Public Relations Unit and disseminated in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry emphasized that ongoing negotiations for revised public transport fares are in progress with the Road Transport Operators. These discussions have been prompted by the recent surge in fuel prices and associated operational costs.
The Ministry firmly advocates for commercial drivers to adhere to the existing public transport fare structure, as mandated by both the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
It further warned that any individual found contravening this directive will face legal repercussions to the fullest extent of the law.
“The Ministry is 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”, the statement in part read.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) in a joint statement issued in Accra urged commuters not to pay any additional transport fares outside the existing fares.
They described the alleged increase in transport fares by some commercial transport drivers as illegal and noted that they were still in talks with the Ministry of Transport over new charges.
“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”, the statement in part read.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, two transport operating groups, Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, jointly announced a 15% increase in transport fares effective Saturday, April 13, 2024.They cited the recent increment in fuel prices and the government’s seeming indifference regarding any reduction in the price of petrol as well as the cost of vehicle spare parts and lubricants to buttress their decision.
By Eugene Davis
