The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) is set to increase public transport fares by 60% in January 2024.
According to the GPRTU, the increase of fares is as a result of the Parliament’s decision to implement the Emissions Levy Bill, which requires owners of petrol and diesel cars to pay an annual fee of 100 cedis starting from January 2024.
The bill is as a result of the government’s aim to promote the use of eco-friendly energy sources for vehicle propulsion, in line with its dedication to climate-friendly measures and initiatives to offset carbon emissions.
The GPRTU has however protested against the decision by government.
In an interview with CitiNews, the GPRTU’s Public Relations Officer, Abbas Imoro spoke of the plight that public transport operators are facing on a daily basis, further emphasizing on the toll that the bill would put on the union’s members.
“We are already paying 10 pesewas for every liter of emission. When you consider 10 pesewas per 4.5 liters per gallon, multiplied by the gallons used daily, and factor in 26 working days a month, you can grasp the significant cost for a driver.”
In a move to let their concerns be addressed, the GPRTU petitioned the government to reconsider the implementation of the bill.
“We appealed to parliament to reconsider. However, if no action is taken, we have other issues. We’ll organize ourselves and implement a lorry fare increase of no less than 60%.”
