The Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) has stated that transport fares could rise further despite the recently announced increment.
Speaking on As It Is in Ghana on Rainbow Radio (87.5FM Ghana and 92.4FM UK), GPRTU Public Relations Officer Samuel Amoah revealed that the union originally requested a 30% increase during negotiations with authorities.
However, since spare part prices had remained stable since last year, petroleum products were the only component factored into the decision, resulting in the current 8% increment. Although the union had hoped for a higher adjustment, Amoah indicated that they will accept the 8% in the immediate term while monitoring the situation.
“Components considered for the increment in fares are the cost of spare parts, and petroleum products. But in arriving at the 8 percent, spare parts were not considered because since last year, spare parts had not been increased. So we had to accept the 8 percent. Going forward, we hope things will change in terms of the prices; however, if the prices keep increasing, we would have to go back to the table and demand for additional increment.”
“There is a threshold which we have agreed that if petroleum products push beyond that, we would have to increase fares beyond the 8 percent announced,” he added.
Amoah reassured the public that fare hikes are not implemented arbitrarily, as extensive deliberations take place beforehand.
He emphasized that the union does not take pleasure in raising fares, but necessary adjustments must be made when economic realities demand it.
Meanwhile, he assured commuters that the GPRTU has put measures in place to sanction drivers who charge above the approved 8% rate, urging all commercial transport operators to comply with the directive and avoid exploiting passengers.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
