GPTRU halts 20% hike in transport fares

The Ghana Private Transport Union (GPRTU) together with other unions in the commercial transport business has halted the intention to increase fares by 20% coming Wednesday until a conclusive decision is taken with government.

The General Secretary of GPRTU, Mr. Godfred Abulbire made this revelation during an interview with Joyfm radio station in Accra.

He said their decision to increase transport fares is based on government’s refusal to heed or pay attention to their advise to remove some taxes on petroleum products, hence, destroying their business gradually.

The Unions released a press statement last Wednesday, 2024 to adjust transport fares upward by 20% based on recent taxes and increment on some petroleum products like spare parts, DVLA prices, lubricants, emission levy among others.

According to Mr. Abulbire, the increment is directly and indirectly affecting their business and if proper attention is not taken, their business will be seriously affected or halted.

But, he said, due to the intervention of the Ministry of Transport and government, the review of the Transport fares has been put on hold pending further discussion to arrive at a decision.

Meanwhile, government also issued a statement to inform the public to disregard the 20% increment in transport fares announced by the commercial driver Unions, noting, because it has no bases.

According to the Deputy Transport Minister, Mr. Alhassan Tampuni said, the issue that the commercial driver Unions  are claiming increment is without any merit and therefore, both parties are to hold a meeting to discuss further and allow conclusive decision on the matter.

“No proper adjustment is made, it will to be over-burdening the general public which government wants to address quickly”, Mr. Tampuni said.

So dear readers, African Editors will provide you with more information on this issue has it unfolds.

Source: Eric Nii Sackey