The Concerned Drivers Association has expressed high expectations for the incoming administration of John Dramani Mahama, anticipating better policies compared to the outgoing Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo government.
According to the association’s Public Relations Officer, David Agbaodo, they believe the new government will address their concerns more effectively and implement measures to alleviate the challenges faced by drivers nationwide.
David Agbaodo in an interview with Kwadwo Safah-Danquah on the Happy Morning Show on Thursday, December 12, highlighted their frustrations with decisions under the current administration, particularly the handling of the Energy Sector Levies Act (ESLA) tax. He recalled how assurances were made during court proceedings involving the Drivers for Change initiative to scrap the tax. However, contrary to these promises, the tax was increased from 10 pesewas to 25 pesewas and subsequently collateralized for an additional ten years.
He criticized the imposition of numerous taxes on fuel without consultation with driver unions. These actions, he noted, had placed undue financial burdens on drivers and contributed to rising transportation costs.
In response to these challenges, he said driver unions engaged with the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to share their concerns and propose solutions. Mr. Agbaodo cited the NDC’s track record in managing fuel prices during their previous tenure, noting that under their administration, petrol prices increased minimally from 14.68 cedis to approximately 17 cedis over eight years. This was in stark contrast to the current administration, where petrol prices escalated from 17 cedis to 71 cedis.
He believes this disparity demonstrates better management of the petroleum sector under the NDC, fueling their confidence that the incoming Mahama administration will adopt measures to stabilize transportation costs, including lorry fares and spare parts prices, over the next few years.