Public Relations Officer of the True Drivers Union, Yaw Barima, has said that the drivers’ union has been neglected by the Government since the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
In an interview with Samuel Eshun on the Happy Morning Show, he bemoaned the attitude of Government towards the drivers during the COVID-19 era. He asserted that the Government had assisted many sectors through the provision of the stimulus package while neglecting the drivers.
He noted that the COVID-19 pandemic had reduced their sales because they had to reduce the number of passengers to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, the drivers still pay the necessary duties, among others.
“The Government directed that we reduce the number of passengers we take because of COVID-19 and that has reduced the money we make. As we have reduced the number of passengers, we are still paying roadworthy, income tax and toll booth fees. We thank our car owners and our wives who are still enduring with us”, he said.
According to him, the drivers expected the Government to reduce the price of fuel as a way of compensating them. However, the price of fuel keeps increasing even though the price of fuel on the global market keeps reducing.
“When the price of petroleum is increased, the blame goes to a certain ‘deregulation’ and not the Government but when we see a decrease in the prices, we are told to commend the Government because it is a listening Government”, he added.
On 1st June 2020, it was reported that consumers of petroleum products should be prepared to pay more for fuel at the pumps following an increment in the BOST margin by the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) from 3 pesewas to 6 pesewas.
By: Alberta Dorcas N D Armah