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The Ministry of Transport has directed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to monitor commercial drivers who are imposing new transport fares exceeding the current rates, which is causing undue burden on passengers.
In a statement issued in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, and signed by its Public Relations Unit, the Ministry clarified that negotiations for new public transport fares are still ongoing with the Road Transport Operators following the recent surge in fuel prices and related operational costs.
The Ministry urged commercial drivers to adhere to the current public transport fares as stipulated by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC), warning of legal repercussions for non-compliance.
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“The Ministry calls upon the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to remain vigilant against any driver contravening the directives issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC,” the statement emphasized.
On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) jointly released a statement in Accra, urging commuters not to pay additional transport fares beyond the current rates.
The unions denounced the purported fare increases by certain commercial drivers as unlawful and reiterated that discussions with the Ministry of Transport concerning new charges were ongoing.
“We are presently engaging with stakeholders to deliberate on the various cost components and reach a consensus. As is customary, the leadership held discussions with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, to present our demands. Once an agreement is reached, the public will be duly notified,” the statement affirmed.
Meanwhile, two transport operating groups, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, declared a 15% hike in transport fares effective Saturday, April 13, 2024.
The decision was attributed to the recent rise in fuel prices, perceived government inaction in reducing petrol prices, and escalating costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants.
