The Concerned Drivers Association has stood firm in its decision to charge new transport fares, defying the directive from the Ministry of Transport.
The Association insisted that they are not charity organizations and have to cover their expenses and make a profit.
The spokesperson for the Association, David Agboado, highlighted the increasing cost of doing business in the transport sector, including parts, fuel, insurance, and other operational expenses. He emphasized that they are profit-driven organizations and cannot operate at a loss.
Mr. Agboado also criticized the Minister of Transport for issuing the directive while allegedly being out of the country, questioning the seriousness of the Ministry in addressing the concerns of driver unions.
In response to the Ministry’s directive, the Association reaffirmed their decision to charge the new fares and criticized the Ministry for not empathizing with the challenges faced by drivers.
The Ministry of Transport had advised the Ghana Police to monitor and apprehend any driver charging unapproved fares, as negotiations for fare increments were still ongoing. However, some drivers, including the Western Regional branch of the GPRTU, had already implemented a 20% fare increment, citing rising fuel prices and operational costs.
Furthermore, the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association proposed a 30% fare increase, scheduled to take effect on Saturday, April 13. They argued that the recent spikes in fuel prices and operating expenses necessitated the fare adjustment to sustain their businesses.
Despite the Ministry’s warning, drivers continue to charge the new fares, emphasizing the financial strain they face in the transport industry.
