The Alliance Drivers of Ghana has expressed its displeasure over the increasing rate of fuel and spare parts.
The Alliance, which was formerly known as Drivers for Change, wants the government to, with immediate effect, put in measures to address their concerns.
The National Public Relations Officer for the Alliance, Mr. Kwaku Boateng, lamented that drivers are not making a profit, although they work every single day.
The cost of fuel and spare parts, he stated, has affected them so badly.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, he said they have planned to embark on a sit-down strike because their concerns are not addressed.
He explained that when the group was named Drivers for Change, they campaigned for the NPP because they knew it was a better alternative.
However, the recent crisis and challenges confronting them with regards to the cost of fuel and spare parts ought to be addressed.
He said they have given the government a 10-day ultimatum, or they will organise a series of demonstrations and pickets in Parliament until their concerns have been addressed.
“We are not receiving pay from the government. We are self-employed, and we manage ourselves to take care of our wives and children. But anytime we go to work, we come back home with empty hands. Mr. President. This is the election year. Don’t play with the driver unions. You have a 10-day ultimatum to address the issues we have raised, or we will hit the streets and picket at Parliament until our issues have been addressed.
We wish to inform the general public that all our stations will close down in the next 10 days until further notice. We hope the government will do something or allow the driver unions to increase the fares immediately.”
He revealed that they took a decision to increase fares, but the police were sent after them, and so they had no option but to withdraw.
“You remember under Mahama, we were known as Drivers for Change? We campaigned for the NPP because we knew at the time that it was a better option. We campaigned against Mahama because he refused to listen to us. This is the same thing happening under this government. They always tell us to come to the negotiation table before we increase transport fares, but they are not the ones who bought the vehicles for us. That is why we have given them the 10-day ultimatum to address our concerns or face our wrath.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana