Commercial drivers in the capital city are in arms with passengers over unapproved fares following the increases in the prices of petroleum products, Today can report
Although there has not been an official confirmation of the hike by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), the umbrella body for transport operators, most drivers in Accra on Friday, March 10, 2017 were charging more than 10 per cent of the fare.
A visit by Today to Kwame Nkrumah Interchange revealed that transport fares for some destination terminals had gone up by 10 percent, and others by 15 percent.
For instance, passengers going to Russia and Sukura, all suburbs in Accra, who were initially paying GH¢1.70p were charged GH¢ 2.00.
Some drivers were also seen charging GH¢1.50ps from Kwame Nkrumah Circle to Kaneshie instead of GH¢ 1.20p they used to charge.
Circle to Bubuashie which was GH¢1.60p is now GH¢1.80p, while Circle to Dansoman which was also GH¢ 2.00 is now GH¢ 3.000.
Within the last three months, fuel prices have been constantly reviewed upwards, constraining the finances of transport operators and other consumers.
Meanwhile, Ghana Private Road Transport Union and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC)stated that they have not officially increased transportation fares, despite reports of some increment by some drivers.
National chairman of GRTCC, Ben Peprah, told 3FM that transport fares have not been increased.
He explained that a lot more variables are considered before the transport fares are increased and not just prices of fuel
“We were all in a meeting and agreed that we will not increase only on one variable. So I don’t know why some drivers are going ahead to increase. We haven’t and don’t increase our fares, just because fuel prices are up,” he stated.
General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Issah Khalifa, said though he shared in the burden of the drivers, the board was still engaging government on the right increases.
“We are still engaging government and for now, we haven’t increased any of our prices. Drivers’ should desist from it. We will officially communicate any increases,” he cleared.
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