The Ministry of Transport has instructed the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to watch for any commercial driver who is charging new transport fares that exceed the current rates, which is putting undue strain on passengers.

In a statement released in Accra on Sunday, April 14, 2024, and signed by its Public Relations Unit, the Ministry stated that negotiations for new public transport fares are still ongoing with the Road Transport Operators following the recent increase in fuel prices and other related operational costs.

The Ministry urged commercial drivers to continue charging the current public transport fares as directed by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC).

It warned that those who fail to comply with this directive will face legal consequences.

“The Ministry is urging the Ghana Police Service and other security agencies to be on the lookout for any driver who goes contrary to the directive issued by the GPRTU and the GRTCC”, the statement in part read.

On Thursday, April 11, 2024, the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) of TUC and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) issued a joint statement in Accra, urging commuters not to pay any extra transport fares beyond the current rates.

The unions labeled the reported fare hikes by some commercial drivers as illegal and emphasized that discussions with the Ministry of Transport regarding new charges were still ongoing.

“We are currently engaging stakeholders to consider the various cost components and agree on the way forward. As has been the practice, the leadership met with the Ministry of Transport on Wednesday 10th April, 2024, to present our demands. Once consensus is reached, the general public will be duly informed”, the statement in part read.

Two transport operating groups, the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana (C-DAG) and the Transport Operators of Ghana, announced a 15% increase in transport fares effective Saturday, April 13, 2024.

The decision was attributed to the recent increment in fuel prices, the government’s perceived indifference to reducing petrol prices, and the rising costs of vehicle spare parts and lubricants.