The Ministry of Transport has issued a firm directive to the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to closely monitor commercial drivers flouting regulations by imposing unauthorized transport fares, burdening commuters amid ongoing negotiations for fare adjustments.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the Ministry’s Public Relations Unit stressed ongoing discussions with Road Transport Operators following the recent surge in fuel prices and related operational costs. The Ministry underscored the importance of drivers adhering to current public transport fares as outlined by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).
The statement cautioned against legal consequences for any driver found violating the directives set by the GPRTU and GRTCC. “The Ministry urges the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be vigilant for any driver flouting the directive,” reiterated the statement.
This directive follows reports of unauthorized fare increases by some commercial drivers despite ongoing negotiations between transport unions and the Ministry. On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the GPRTU of TUC and the GRTCC jointly urged commuters not to pay additional fares beyond the existing rates. They denounced the purported fare hikes as illegal and reiterated their commitment to resolving the issue through dialogue with the Ministry.
Earlier, on Monday, April 8, 2024, two transport operating groups, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, unilaterally announced a 15% fare increase, effective April 13, 2024. Citing rising fuel prices, government inaction on fuel cost reductions, and increased vehicle maintenance expenses, the groups defended their decision.
However, the GPRTU and GRTCC emphasized ongoing engagements with stakeholders to evaluate various cost components and achieve consensus on fare adjustments. “Once consensus is reached, the public will be duly informed,” they assured in their statement.
The Ministry’s directive seeks to maintain fairness and stability in the public transport system while urging compliance with existing fare structures until formal agreements are reached through mutual consensus.
