Ghana is bracing itself for an inevitable rise in fuel and food prices due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. The United Drivers Association in the Ashanti Region has revealed that vehicle owners are reclaiming their vehicles as sales decline sharply amidst the recent fuel price hikes.
The commercial transport sector is facing a near-collapse, with the escalating fuel costs making it unprofitable for drivers to operate. Some fuel stations are selling petrol at GHS 15.10 and diesel at GHS 15.25, putting further strain on drivers who are already struggling to cover their expenses.
Eric Dadzie, spokesperson for the United Drivers Association in the Ashanti Region, expressed concern over the situation, stating that many drivers have been forced to park their cars as maintenance costs soar. Some vehicle owners have opted to repossess their cars, leaving drivers unemployed.
The relentless fuel price hikes have not only affected drivers but also commuters, who are feeling the financial burden of the increased transport costs. One frustrated commuter, Amos Daneku, lamented about the constant rise in fuel prices without a corresponding increase in salaries, urging the government to intervene.
In response to the crisis, the drivers’ union is considering staging a political campaign against the government to address the issue. However, until the cedi stabilizes against the dollar, both commuters and drivers are likely to endure the repercussions of the fuel price surge.
As the nation grapples with the economic fallout of the war in Ukraine, it is clear that immediate action is needed to alleviate the financial strain on drivers and commuters alike. The rising fuel prices threaten to destabilize the transport sector and have broader implications for the country’s economy.