A meeting between government and stakeholders within the transport sector on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, for a possible review of transport fares, ended inconclusively.

Commercial drivers have been advocating for increment in transport fares following the introduction of new taxes and upward review of others which led to fuel price hikes in the country.

A joint statement issued by the Ghana Private Road Transport Union (GPRTU) and Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) called for calm amongst their members as further negotiations are held to reach an amicable resolution.

“On 12% May 2021, a meeting was held with stakeholders to continue negotiations on public transport fares. The meeting reviewed the cost components including the recent increase in the price of petroleum products, cost of spare parts, inflation, drivers salaries and taxes amongst others. The meeting was however inconclusive.”

The unions also urged Ghanaians to disregard claims of any increase in transport fares.

“We entreat all transport operators to stay calm, as we negotiate for a fare adjustment within the shortest possible time. We also entreat the general public to disregard any purported increase in fares,” the unions added in the statement.

Commercial transport operators had already been directed to maintain existing transport fares until new charges are approved.

Many passengers anticipated that transport fares in the country will increase immediately after the government’s new tariffs, including a 30-pesewa hike in petroleum products, which kicked in on Saturday, May 1, 2021.