The True Drivers Union has dared the Transport Ministry to drag them to court over its decision to increase transport fares without engaging with the ministry.
According to the Union, there is no legal obligation on their part or any law that mandates them to meet with the Ministry before increasing fares.
The Public Relations Officer of the Union, Yaw Barimah, said a letter has come to their attention advising passengers not to pay the said increment.
He asked passengers to treat the statement with the contempt it deserves.
He advised passengers to pay the new fare to avoid confrontation with commercial drivers and conductors since the increment is irreversible.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 97.5FM, he lamented that drivers have overenjoyed the government’s reckless and irresponsible increment on fuel prices and other related commodities, which has affected their business.
He said, “The key question to ask ourselves is: has there been an increase in fuel prices? The government keeps telling us they cannot be blamed when there is an increment in fuel but takes credit when there is a reduction in fuel prices, so why should we negotiate with you when there is an increment in transport fares?
Why should we waste our time and engage with you before increasing transport fares?”
We have seen the statement from the government directing that we should be arrested. I am currently on Wenchi. They should send the police to come and arrest me.
We would prefer to go to Nsaeam Prison than reduce transport fares. You can no longer intimidate us. If the government does not take action, we will take matters into our own hands and match them in equal measure. We will no longer entertain their intimidation. We are prepared for whatever they will do to us. If they want us to reduce transport fares, they should remove all the nuisance taxes on petroleum; if not, they should accept the new fares. If the GPRTU is Father Christmas, they should continue taking the old transport fares. We will take the new fares. If they think we have erred or committed a crime, they should go to court.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
