The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have come together to issue a crucial advisory for commuters. They’re urging passengers not to comply with the unauthorized 30% fare hike recently announced by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.
In their joint press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC pointed out that the decision to raise fares stemmed from perceived grievances within the transportation sector, where they feel the government hasn’t adequately addressed concerns. However, they stressed that any fare adjustment outside the officially stipulated guidelines set by the Administrative Instrument governing public transport fares in the country is considered unlawful and should be disregarded by travelers.
Moreover, both organizations highlighted their ongoing dialogue with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to thoroughly evaluate various cost factors involved and come to a mutually agreeable solution. Their goal is to ensure that any changes to transport fares adhere to established regulatory frameworks and benefit both transport operators and passengers alike.
“We are calling upon the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, and the Station Welfare committees to ensure strict adherence to the existing fare structures as no official decision has been made regarding fare adjustments,” the statement emphasized. “We also urge all drivers to follow this directive and place their trust in the leadership. We remain committed to advocating for the well-being of transport operators.”
Furthermore, the GPRTU and the GRTCC reiterated their commitment to ongoing discussions with the Transport Ministry to facilitate the approval of any necessary fare modifications. They stressed the importance of transparency and adherence to established procedures to ensure fairness for all parties involved in the transportation sector.
In light of this advisory, commuters are urged to stay vigilant and refrain from paying any unauthorized fare increases until an official announcement is made by the relevant authorities. The GPRTU and the GRTCC have assured the public of their continued advocacy for the welfare of transport operators while striving to maintain a balance between affordability for passengers and sustainability for the transportation industry as a whole.
The full statement issued by GPRTU and GRTCC can be found below:
