Commercial Transport Operators back fare hike following fuel price increase
Commercial Transport Operators have expressed their firm support for upcoming transport fare adjustments expected from the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) by the end of this week, citing recent surges in petroleum prices.
Speaking in an interview on OTEC FM’s Dwabrem political show on Tuesday September 1, Union Chairman Asonaba Nana Yaw Wiredu explained that the decision is essential to keep operators’ businesses running.
Drivers continue to face compounding operational costs, including rising prices for fuel, spare parts, lubricants, and local taxes.
Nana Wiredu noted that the union initially proposed a 30% fare increase during an August meeting, citing that the adjustment was temporarily shelved after the government reduced diesel prices by GH¢2 and pledged further intervention to lower overall transport expenses.
However, the promised cost relief by the government failed to materialize during August’s mid-month pricing window.
Coupled with the latest pump price increases, Asonaba said they have been left with no choice but to adjust rates.
He added that the union plans to analyze current fuel price updates at the pumps before finalizing the exact percentage increase.
Meanwhile, to address public concerns over unauthorized fare hikes by individual drivers, he said the union is collaborating directly with various Assemblies to enforce compliance.
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Bismark Appiah Kubi
