“We will charge GHC20 to Kumasi” — Effiduase drivers threaten fare hike over fuel costs

Commercial drivers at Effiduase in the Sekyere East District of the Ashanti Region staged a protest on Monday (3 August) over what they described as an unexpected increase in fuel prices, threatening to raise transport fares independently if their concerns are not addressed.

The drivers, operating in the Sekyere East District, said they were surprised to find higher fuel prices when they went to purchase fuel, accusing authorities of failing to communicate the adjustment.

The protesters warned that the development could force them to increase fares, with one driver threatening to raise the cost of travelling between Kumasi and Effiduase to GHC20.

“We went to buy fuel this morning only to find out it has been increased without our knowledge,” one of the drivers said.

“The message is clear, now we will charge GH¢20 from Kumasi to Effiduase whether they like it or not,” he said.

Inconsistencies

The drivers also raised concerns over what they described as inconsistencies in transport fares between independent commercial operators and members of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU).

They said independent “waawaa” drivers were charging GHC13 for some routes, while GPRTU-affiliated drivers charged GH¢15, questioning why the disparity existed without intervention from the authorities.

“What we don’t understand is that we ‘waawaa’ drivers are charging GH¢13 while the GPRTU is charging GHC15. Why should this happen? And the DCE is not saying anything about it?” another driver said.

The protesters accused the Sekyere East District Chief Executive of politicising transport fare discussions, insisting that fare adjustments should not be influenced by political considerations.

“We don’t do politics with transport fares. But this DCE is doing politics with transport fares,” one driver alleged.

One of the demonstrators also claimed that police arrested a colleague during the protest, although the allegation had not been independently confirmed.

Impact

The protest disrupted transport services across the municipality, leaving several passengers stranded as commercial drivers halted operations.

The District Chief Executive later intervened by arranging alternative transport options to ease the impact on commuters.

He expressed concern over the drivers’ decision to increase fares without following the approved process, insisting that no official fare adjustment had been announced.

“It is shocking that they have decided to increase transport fares without due process, especially when there has not been any official increment. Even according to their own association, there has been no fare adjustment.

Until there is an official announcement, any grievances should be presented through the appropriate channels by way of a formal petition. But for now, we will not allow such a situation to happen,” he said.

Fuel prices in Ghana are deregulated, with oil marketing companies adjusting prices periodically based on factors including global crude oil prices and the performance of the cedi against the US dollar.

Transport fares are generally negotiated between commercial transport operators, including the GPRTU, and relevant government authorities.