Public Relations Officer (P.R.O.) for the Concerned Drivers Association, David Agboado, has contradicted claims of an increase in transportation fares, asserting that there will be no hike, contrary to an earlier announcement.

The announcement of a 30 percent increase in transport fares, scheduled to take effect on March 7, 2024, came from members of the Transport Operators Union and some regional executives of the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.

They pointed to the government's perceived failure to address their concerns as the rationale behind the decision.

However, Agboado stated that the regional executives lacked the authority to make such a decision, emphasising that announcements and decisions regarding fare adjustments must come from the national executives.

Speaking on the JoyNews AM Show, Agboado revealed that the regional executives faced sanctions for their unauthorised actions.

“The three regional officers, as we know, are very powerful in terms of the transport sector; that is, the Greater Accra, Central, and Ashanti Regions. They are very powerful and are very needed in transport operations.

“But they should not take their numbers or the size of their circle to do whatever they want, like they did yesterday.

“As I speak to you, we have sanctioned them; we have suspended them for three months," he explained.

Mr. Agboado mentioned that the coalition of commercial transport operators is yet to agree on a date for a possible increase in transport fares.

Background

Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana jointly announced a 30 percent increase in transport fares, effective Thursday, March 7.

In a press release issued on Monday, March 4, the two organisations cited the government's inadequate response to their concerns as the reason for the fare hike.

They emphasised the continuous rise in fuel prices, affecting their livelihoods and posing challenges to their operations.

Describing the fare adjustment as crucial for business sustainability, they urged the government to engage with their leaders to ensure a smooth implementation of the fare adjustments.

“The fare adjustments are essential to ensure the financial viability of the transportation sector and to maintain the quality of service provided to the public.

“The failure of the government to address this critical issue has left us with no choice but to consider fare increments as a means of coping with the escalating operational costs.”

“We are calling on the government and relevant authorities to engage in constructive dialogue with our leaders to address the challenges faced by our sector and to implement fare adjustments that reflect the current economy.”