The Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to apprehend any commercial driver found charging new transport fares above the existing rates. This move aims to prevent undue financial strain on commuters.
In a statement released by its Public Relations Unit in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry stated that negotiations for new public transport fares are still underway with the Road Transport Operators. This comes in response to the recent surge in fuel prices and other operational costs.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of commercial drivers adhering to the existing public transport fares, as directed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
The statement warned that any driver who fails to comply with this directive will face legal repercussions.
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 deemed the purported increase in transport fares by some commercial transport drivers as illegal and clarified that they were still in discussions with the Ministry of Transport regarding potential new charges
“We are currently engaging stakeholders to consider 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”
On Monday, April 8, 2024, two transport operating groups, the 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 justified their decision by pointing to the recent rise in fuel prices and the government’s perceived lack of action regarding any reduction in the price of petrol, as well as the increased costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants.
