The Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has advised drivers to exercise caution, as all the processes involved in increasing fares have not been exhausted.
Abass Imoro, the Public Relations Officer (PRO), explained that they have met with stakeholders in the transport sector and submitted their proposal last Wednesday.
He said another meeting has been scheduled for next Wednesday on the matter.
He explained that drivers cannot impose a new fare on passengers when the stakeholders in the sector have not finalised the proposed increment.
Transport fares have risen by twenty percent in the Western Region.
The fare from Takoradi to Kwei-Kuma has increased from GH₵6.00 to GH₵7.20 pesewas, while the journey from Takoradi to Accra now costs GH₵78, up from GH₵65.
Similarly, the fare from Agona-Nkwanta to Akwaada has risen to GH₵18 from the previous GH₵15, and the route from Sekondi to Takoradi now costs GH₵6, up from GH₵5.
Also in Kasoa, some drivers have increased fares without any directive from the leadership of GPRTU.
The situation created chaos in the area, which led to the arrest of some individuals.
Reacting to this on Frontline on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Abass Imoro stressed that the increase has not been sanctioned, hence the need for the drivers’ patience.
“We cannot just impose transport fares on passengers. There are processes involved. We met with the Transport Ministry last week and submitted our proposal. They told us they would study our proposal and get back to us. We are set to attend another meeting next Wednesday and look at the way forward. It is not our desire to increase fares, but we work to make a profit, and when there is an is an increment in fuel and other items that affect our work, we would also have to propose a new fare, meet with the ministry and other stakeholders, agree upon a new figure, and then announce it,” he said.
He described the situation in Kasoa and the other areas where transport fares have been increased as fragile.
“The situation is fragile, and we can only call for calm. We have issued a statement and appealed to drivers to exercise patience. We have met once and are scheduled for another meeting next week. We will announce the new fares after the meeting has been concluded, he added.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
