Commuters are advised by the Ghana Road Transport Coordinating Council (GRTCC) and the Ghana Private Roads and Transport Union (GPRTU) not to abide by any suggested new transport fares that have not yet received formal approval.

This is a reaction to the announcement of a thirty percent increase in transportation fares effective April 13, 2024, made by the Transport Operators Union and the Concerned Drivers Association of Ghana.

The GPRTU and the GRTCC announced in a joint press release that the government’s inability to resolve their complaints was the reason behind the decision to increase fares.

Notwithstanding, the GPRTU and the GRTCC underscored in their declaration that any increase in fare that deviates from the guidelines established by the Administrative Instrument overseeing the assessment of public transportation costs nationwide is considered unlawful and ought to be disregarded.

Moreover, both entities emphasized their continuous endeavors to interact with interested parties and the Ministry of Transportation in order to comprehensively evaluate the different cost elements and arrive at a mutually acceptable conclusion regarding the issue.

“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.”

Below is the full statement

PURPORTED INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES

It 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.

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. 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.

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