The GPRTU and GRTCC advise commuters to disregard proposed new transport fares lacking official approval.
This follows an announcement by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana declaring a 30 percent fare increase effective April 13, 2024.
In a joint statement, GPRTU and GRTCC attribute the fare hike to unresolved government grievances but stress that any increase beyond the approved parameters is illegal and should be ignored.
Additionally, both entities emphasized their continued engagement with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to comprehensively evaluate cost factors and achieve a consensus on the issue.
“We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such decision has been taken regarding any fare increment.
“We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators.”
Below is the full statement
PURPORTED INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES
It has come to our attention that some sections of Drivers have arbitrarily increased transport fares in contravention of the Administrative Instrument on the review of public transport fares in the country.
This action is illegal and must be stopped immediately if this is true.
As leadership, we have followed with keen interest, the recent adjustment in the fuel prices and other related operational cost.
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. Therefore any increase outside the Administrative Instrument, should be disregarded and treated with contempt. We therefore urge commuters not to pay any fare outside the existing fares.
We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such decision has been taken regarding any fare increment.
We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators. IJ