The Ministry of Transport has issued a directive to the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any commercial driver who is charging new transport fares that exceed the existing ones. This directive comes in light of ongoing negotiations for new public transport fares with the Road Transport Operators following the recent hike in fuel prices and other operational costs.
In a statement released in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, the Ministry emphasized the importance of commercial drivers abiding by the existing public transport fares as directed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC). Any driver found contravening this directive will face the full force of the law.
The GPRTU and GRTCC had previously urged commuters not to pay any additional transport fares beyond the existing rates, describing such actions by some commercial drivers as illegal. They also revealed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Transport to determine new charges, with an assurance that the public will be duly informed once a consensus is reached.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana announced a 15% increase in transport fares starting Saturday, April 13, 2024. They cited the recent fuel price hikes, the government’s perceived lack of action in reducing petrol prices, as well as the rising costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants as reasons for their decision.
The Ministry of Transport’s directive serves as a reminder to commercial drivers to adhere to the existing public transport fares and to avoid imposing additional financial burdens on commuters. It also underscores the ongoing efforts to reach a mutual agreement on new transport fares in light of the economic challenges facing the transport sector.
