The Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) and the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) have cautioned commuters against adhering to any proposed new transport fares that have not yet received official approval.This advisory follows the announcement by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana of a 30 percent increase in transport fares effective April 13, 2024.

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In a joint press release, the GPRTU and the GRTCC explained that the decision to raise fares stemmed from the government's failure to address their concerns. However, they emphasized that any fare adjustment outside the parameters set by the Administrative Instrument governing the review of public transport fares in the country would be considered illegal and should be disregarded.

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Furthermore, both organizations highlighted their ongoing efforts to engage with stakeholders and the Ministry of Transport to thoroughly evaluate the various cost components and reach a mutually agreeable resolution on the matter.

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“We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such decision has been taken regarding any fare increment.“We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators.

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”Below is the full statementPURPORTED INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARESIt has come to our attention that some sections of Drivers have arbitrarily increased transport fares in contravention of the Administrative Instrument on the review of public transport fares in the country.This action is illegal and must be stopped immediately if this is true.

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As leadership, we have followed with keen interest, the recent adjustment in the fuel prices and other related operational cost. We are currently engaging stakeholders to give consideration to 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.

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Therefore any increase outside the Administrative Instrument, should be disregarded and treated with contempt. We therefore urge commuters not to pay any fare outside the existing fares.We are by this statement, urging the Regional Administrations, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and the Station Welfare committees to ensure compliance to the existing fares as no such decision has been taken regarding any fare increment.

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We also want to urge all drivers to abide by this directive and have confidence in the leadership. We will continue to push for the welfare of transport operators. IJ

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