Transport Ministry has urged the public to disregard the purported hike in transport fares by transport operators nationwide.

This comes after commercial Transport Operators in Ghana have declared a 30 percent increase in transportation fares nationwide, starting Monday, January 22.

They justified the increase by citing significant increases in the costs of lubricants, spare parts, and DVLA service charges.

“The proposal for a fare increase aims to address the drivers’ financial challenges and ensure the sustainability of the public transportation industry in Ghana,” the commercial transport operators added in the press release.

However, in response to this, the Ministry of Transport issued a statement dated January 17, 2024, noting that the said increase should be ignored as no agreement has been made between the ministry and the Commercial Transport Operators.

“We wish to inform the general public that there has not been any negotiation with the transport operators for a review of the transport fares. We therefore urge the general public to disregard the purported increase,” parts of the statement read.

When an increase becomes necessary, the Ministry said its outfit will make that known to the general public

“When it becomes necessary for such negotiations and the decisions are taken, the general public will be appropriately informed, as has been done in the past,” the statement continued.

Meanwhile, the General Secretary of the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU), Godfred Abulbire, has announced the suspension of the decision to increase transport fares following an upcoming meeting with the Transport Ministry.

The GPRTU initially planned a 20% fare hike by January 24, citing increased spare parts costs and new taxes. Despite the Ministry urging the public to disregard the proposed increase, Deputy Minister Alhassan Tampuli Sulemana stated that discussions with transport operators would take place.

GPRTU will assess the situation after the meeting, while a drivers association emphasises ongoing financial challenges and expresses willingness to engage with the Ministry when invited.