By The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) perceives the directive from the Transport Ministry to security agencies, tasking them with monitoring commercial drivers who implement new transport fares exceeding the existing rates, as a proactive step to regulate the system and uphold procedural integrity.
The Ministry of Transport has directed the Ghana Police Service and other relevant security agencies to maintain heightened vigilance for any instances of commercial drivers implementing fare increases beyond the currently approved rates. Such actions, which impose unwarranted financial strain on commuters, are deemed unacceptable and warrant regulatory intervention.
In a statement released by its Public Relations Unit in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry clarified that ongoing deliberations with Road Transport Operators regarding potential adjustments to public transport fares are underway, prompted by the recent escalation in fuel prices and operational expenses.
As a result, the Ministry emphasized the importance of maintaining adherence to the current public transport fares, as stipulated by both the GPRTU of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
Commercial drivers are urged to comply with these directives until further notice following the conclusion of discussions and any subsequent official announcements.
It further added that anyone who defies this directive will be subjected to the full force of the law.
In an interview with Umaru Amadu Sanda Amadu on Eyewitness News on Citi FM on Monday, Abass Imoro, Industrial Relations Officer of the GPRTU, stressed his belief that the Ministry’s action was intended to facilitate the correct procedure.
“I don’t see it that way. I believe it is to facilitate the outstanding procedure that is almost broken down… They are free to contribute to ensuring there is order in the system. But I am still telling you that yes, I believe this particular issue was raised to ensure total order in the system,” he stated.
He also confirmed that they are still in the negotiation process.
“We are still at the negotiation table. The meeting last Wednesday was inconclusive. It was postponed to coming Wednesday,” he stated, adding that “The situation is so delicate that we will request everyone to join in and ensure we resolve it amicably.”
